Blog Post Listings, February 10-16, 2014

Listing of blog postings for the week of February 10-16, 2014

Marriages

Posted February 14, 2014

Nellie Cox - Merrit Burlison (1894)
Belle Foote - George Burlison
Edgar C. Ward - Celia Corbin (1895)
Lyman Brooks - Mary S. Weller (1863)
Bertha Hall - Fred R. Graves (1896)
Dr. R.D.L. Evans - Mary Moody (1897)
James B Williams - Della Searles (1897)
Charles Pettys - Lida Swart (1897)
E.L. Jewell - Ellen M. Gallup
Florence Boyce - Bert Edgerton (1892)
William M. Brown - Onelia D. Woods (1888)
Mr. and Mrs. W.H. Ireland (30th anniversary, 1897)
Mr. and Mrs. Alexander Ireland (48th anniversary, 1897)
Willie A. Davis - Aliph C. Lyon (1888)

Posted February 15, 2014
Elizabeth Sherman - Joseph Condon (1929)
Mr. and Mrs. Edward Loomis (31st anniversary, 1935)

Posted February 16, 2014
Mr. & Mrs. Glen Roberts (1933)
Amasiah Whitney - Martha Eckerson (1876)
Henry B. Van Deusen - Hattie J. Gridley (1876)


 

Obituaries

Posted February 10, 2014

Daniel L. Wells (Pharsalia, 1863) - Civil War soldier

Henry E. Arnold (McDonough, 1863)

Lucy M. Peek (Nineveh, Philadelphia)

Leroy Cumber (Coventry)

John Clark Jr. (Guilford, Utica, 1929)

Frances Rowe (Oxford, 1929)

Posted February 11, 2014
Frank Merrill (Norwich, 1863)
Sylvester Gomes (Oxford, 1863)
Stephen A. Scott (1863, Civil War soldier)
Son of D.R. Eells (Georgetown)
John Ogden
Mrs. John Ogden (Oxford, 1897)
Ellen M. (Ogden) Brooks (Oxford, 1897)
Maud Nichols (North Afton, 1897)
Myra Jay LaGrange (Bainbridge, 1929)
Fred Hornshu (Bainbridge, Indianapolis, Ind. 1929)

Posted February 12, 2014
Rev. William Burnside (Sidney, 1898)
Rev. William Bixby (Bainbridge, Oneonta)
Stanley H. Sprague (Livingston Manor, Bainbridge, 1929)
Mary Louise Banks (Bainbridge, Chicago, Delafield WI, 1929)
Charles Skinner Bradford (Sidney Plains, 1876)

Posted February 13, 2014
Rev. O.L. Buck (Vestal, 1929)
Harriet T. Banner (Bainbridge, 1929)
Harriet Benjamin Kirkland (West Bainbridge, 1929)
Ira A. Davis (1863, Civil War Soldier)
Russell Ford (Mt. Upton, 1863)

Posted February 14, 2014
John S. Hicks (1863, Civil War Soldier)
Myron M. Holmes (Oxford, 1893)
Emma Seacord (Unadilla, Bainbridge, 1897)
Mrs. Stone-Anderson (East Oxford)
Frances A. Shapley (Oxford, 1897)
Arland HIne (Bainbridge, 1929)
Mrs. H.J. VanderLinden (Norwich, Brooklyn, 1929)

Posted February 15, 2014
Charles McDonald (Richmondville, North Afton, 1929)
Frank A. Lyon (Oneonta, Afton, West Bainbridge, 1935)
Ira A. Yale (Yaleville, Windsor, MO, 1935)
Calvin J. Lyon (West Bainbridge, 1935)
Gideon Evans (1864 - Civil War Soldier)
Josephine B. Monfort (1876)

Posted February 16, 2014
Charles R. Hamilton (Guilford, 1933)
Libby Fosbury Hamilton (Guilford, 1933)
William Morgan (Carbondale, PA, 1933)
Elizabeth Burgess (Bainbridge, 1933)
Charlotte Gossweiler (Bainbridge, 1933)
Pharos B. Price (Bennettsville, 1933)
Samuel Baldwin (Masonville, Cleveland OH, 1876)
Ellen Jane Burlison (Norwich, 1863)
 

Miscellaneous

Posted February 10, 2014

Legends of Our Valley - Part 5, White Store, Chenango Union, April 3, 1884

Posted February 11, 2014

Bainbridge High School Class of 1933 - Part 2

Posted February 12, 2014

Miscellaneous Local Items from Bainbridge and Guilford, Chenango Telegraph,  June 15, 1864

Posted February 13, 2014

Church Rededication - January 21, 1897, Congregational Church, Guilford Center, Chenango County, NY.

Posted February 14, 2014

More birth notices from the 1890s.

 

Posted February 15, 2015

Serious Structural Deterioration Threatened Collapse of 1st Presbyterian Church Tower, Bainbridge, Chenango Co. NY - about 1930

 

Posted February 16, 2014

Road Building, A New Short Cut Near Sidney, 1938 (Photo)

Thumbing Backward the Pages of Time, Glimpse of Sidney (Delaware Co., NY) Back in Year 1874

(Published 1939)

Miscellaneous items collected in the 1930s from scrapbook of Louise Marie Donahe

Obituaries (February 16)

Charles R. Hamilton, of Guilford [Chenango Co.,  NY], passed away late Saturday night, January 7, at his home here.  Death came to him in the old homestead where he was born Sept. 14, 1867.  Surviving are an only brother, Walter C. Hamilton, the two residing on the farm together.  Funeral services were held Wednesday afternoon at 1 o'clock from the Colwell Funeral Chapel, in Bainbridge.  Burial in Sunset  Hill cemetery, Guilford.  [Bainbridge News & Republican, Jan. 19, 1933]

 

Again death entered the Hamilton homestead, Friday night.  Libby Fosbury Hamilton, wife of Walter Hamilton, passed away, after several days' illness of pneumonia.  Mrs. Hamilton was the daughter of Frank and Emma Cole and was born in Union Valley 55 years ago.  Surviving is a sister, Mrs. Ransome Herrick, of Bainbridge, and her husband.  Our most sincere sympathy is extended to Mr. Hamilton in this double bereavement, the brother's death followed so closely by his wife's. Funeral services were held Tuesday, Jan. 17, from Colwell Undertaking Parlors, in Bainbridge. [Bainbridge News & Republican, Jan. 19, 1933]

 

William Morgan, who has been very ill at the home of his daughter in Binghamton, was brought to the home of his son, George Morgan, in this place, Saturday.  Monday morning while dressing he was taken with a heart attack and died before medical assistance could be secured.  The funeral, which was private, was held at the home of his daughter in Binghamton, Wednesday, with burial in Carbondale, Pa.  [Bainbridge News & Republican, Jan. 19, 1933]

 

The death of Miss Elizabeth Burgess on January 2nd, in Asheville, N.C., brought to a close the long career of one of the best known residents of this section.  She was born in Bainbridge [Chenango Co., NY] on October 27, 1849, where much of her early life was spent, though she later moved to Unadilla.  It was while living there that the tragedy of her life occurred.  Her engagement to Richard E. Sherwood, then of Marshalltown, Ia., was terminated by the untimely death of Mr. Sherwood through drowning in the Iowa River in 1882, just before the marriage was to take place.  Failing eyesight, as well as the infirmities of old age, would have made her last years a bit dreary were it not for the radio, which was a constant source of comfort to her.  The last four years have been spent in the home of a sister of Mr. Sherwood, in Asheville, from which place she was brought Sunday by Miss Sherwood to the funeral parlors of E.J. Taber, in Afton, to await burial services in Bainbridge on Monday.  While soft strains of music came from the organ in beautiful St. Peter's Church, which she loved so well, devoted friends who had come from nearby towns looked on the calm face of their one-time friend.  The burial service, always sympathetic, took on an added tenderness when the Rev. Bradford H. Tite seemed to be addressing every word to the one who could hear only in spirit. Then through the falling snow friends stood to see her laid to rest, the last of her family, in the lovely churchyard of St. Peter's.  [Bainbridge News & Republican, Jan. 19, 1933]

 

Mrs. Charlotte Gossweiler, wife of Charles Gossweiler, died at the Bainbridge Hospital Friday evening, where she had been since last Monday for observation.  She was born in New York city on July 3, 1876, the daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Charles Milick.  She had been in poor health for some time.  The funeral was held Monday morning at 10 o'clock at her late home, 19 Bixby street, Rev. Clarence Carman, pastor of the First Methodist Episcopal Church, officiating.  The body was taken to Seward, N.Y., for burial.  Mrs. Gossweiler is survived by her husband, Charles Gossweiler, two sisters and one daughter.  [Bainbridge News & Republican, Jan. 19, 1933]

 

Pharos B. Price died Saturday morning at his home in Bennettsville [Chenango Co., NY], having been in poor health for the past 14 years.  He was the son of Matthew and Ellen Burch Price, and was born on May 14, 1856, on the farm where he spent his entire life.  He was the youngest of a family of ten children, all of whom are now dead.  The funeral was held Monday at the Colwell Funeral Chapel, and the service was conducted by Rev. Edwin Holden, pastor of the Congregational Church in Sidney.  Burial was made in the family plot at Bennettsville.  Mr. Price is survived by his wife; a daughter, Mrs. George Winnie, of Sidney; a granddaughter, Mrs. Clyde Huyck, also of Sidney, and several nieces.  [Bainbridge News & Republican, Jan. 19, 1933]

 

BALDWIN:  In Cleveland, Ohio, Jan. 27th, 1876, Mr. Samuel Baldwin, of apoplexy, aged 82 years.  Mr. Baldwin was formerly a resident of Masonville, N.Y. [Delaware Co.], and well acquainted with the older inhabitants of that town, he having joined the Presbyterian Church there 50 years ago.  Mr. B. was one of the few who formed the 1st Presbyterian Church of East Cleveland, now city of Cleveland, and an active member.  Mr. B. was a man well liked and respected, and held a number of offices of trust, which duties he filled both honorably and faithfully.  Mrs. Baldwin, who is surviving him, is 81 years old.  [Bainbridge Republican, Feb. 12, 1876]

 

Fatal Accident:  On Monday evening an accident occurred in the home of a man named Horace R. Burlison, in this village [Norwich, Chenango Co., NY], that caused the death of his daughter Ellen Jane, aged about eight years.  The facts are as follows:  The family were gathered around a table watching one of their number pour a quantity of Kerosene Oil from one vessel into another.  The little girl was holding a small hand lamp for the purpose of lighting the work.  Suddenly the gas from the Kerosene took fire from the small lamp, and four of the persons standing around the table were enveloped in flames--the fire being communicated at once to the oil. The little girl was terribly burned about the head and shoulders.  On taking fire she ran out of doors and it was several minutes before she could be caught and her clothes stripped off.  She presented an agonizing sight.  It was found that the fire had spread over nearly the whole of her body, and the flesh dropped from her arms if she was stirred.  The little sufferer lingered until about eight o'clock on Tuesday morning, when death relieved her from pain.  The three other persons burned will recover.  Susan Burlison was badly burned about the head, her face being a complete bristle.  Mrs. Martha Cobb had one hand burned.  Mrs. Burlison, both hands badly burned.  The accident was one that might happen in any household, and should be a warning to all to use care in handling Kerosene oil.  [Chenango Telegraph, ay 27, 1863]

 

 

 

 

Marriages (February 16)

Mrs. Glen Roberts was the guest of honor at a shower held in honor of her marriage to Glen Roberts on Christmas Day.  This delightful affair was held Saturday evening at the home of Mr. and Mrs. E.L. Totman.  Delicious refreshments were served; and cards and games played. the guests were the members of Guilford Central School faculty, also Mrs. Ethel Hutchinson, Mrs. A.H. Spring, Misses Dorothy and Phyllis Evans and Mrs. Galen Harrison.  Mrs. Roberts was presented with a beautiful occasional table as a gift from her friends.  [Bainbridge News & Republican, Jan. 19, 1933]

 

WHITNEY-ECKERSON:  At Schenevus, nNY. Feb. 9th, 1876, by Rev. N.S. Reynolds, Amasiah Whitney, of Sidney Plains [Delaware Co.,  NY], to Miss Martha Eckerson, of Charlottsville, N.Y. [Schoharie County] [Bainbridge Republican, Feb. 12, 1876]

VAN DEUSEN - GRIDLEY:  At the M.E. Parsonage in Sidney Plains, Feb. 2d, 1876, by Rev. N.S. Reynolds, Henry B. Van Deusen to Miss Hattie J. Gridley, both of Guilford [Chenango Co., NY] [Bainbridge Republican, Feb. 12, 1876]

Miscellaneous Items from 1930s

Items from Scrapbook of Louise  Marie Donahe

Collected in 1930s and 40s

 

 

Sidney [Delaware Co., NY]:  Miss Betty Kent, daughter of Mr. and Mrs. William Kent, went to Ithaca Sunday where she has entered Ithaca college of Music.  Miss Kent graduated from Sidney high school in June, where she played the saxophone in the school orchestra.  She also played piano for the orchestra.  [1941]

 

The Lombardy Poplars

Bainbridge, Chenango Co., NY

 

County Students Win Five Scholarships

Dorothy Teachout Highest Average; Vernon Palmer

Fifth Among the Winners

1939

 

The state education department today made public the name of 750 June high school graduates who have won university scholarships.  Each year there are awarded to the pupils of each county five times as many scholarships as there are assembly districts in the county.  In the event any one of the winners should decline the scholarships it is immediately offered to the next eligible candidate on the county list.  Holder of one of these scholarships will be entitled to one hundred dollars a year for the four years of his college course while attending any college approved by the regents for the purpose.  Winners for Chenango County are:  Dorothy J. Teachout, 94, of this village leading with the highest average in the county; Ruth J. Hagen, 93.62, second, of Cincinnatus; Frank K. Faulkner, 92.52, third, of Afton, R.D. 2; Grace Drachler, 92.09, fourth, of Greene; and Vernon R. Palmer, 91.71 fifth, also of this village, R.D.3.



Miscellaneous, Sidney in the Year 1874

Thumbing Backward the Pages of Time

Glimpse of Sidney (Delaware Co., NY) Back in Year 1874

(Published 1939)

 

Captioned "Sidney Plains" written by a Binghamton Times correspondent, the following article appeared in the Midland Times issue of Saturday, August 29, 1874, edited by J.H. Graves, and published in Sidney at that time.  The write-up will have special appeal to our elder residents who will recall vividly the points mentioned.

 

Time proves that Mr. Graves and the Midland Times met with reverses, for, with the arrival in Sidney Plains of the late Arthur Bird, then publishing The Record in Jeffersonville, Sullivan county, this village [Sidney], did not boast a paper.  It was in December, 1882, that The Record of the present day kicked its baby heels into the air.

 

It is quite evident the author of the article met a home-town booster when he placed the population at 800, this, way back in 1874.  In 1882, we can vouch, Sidney Plains' population was about 400, if that.

 

Here is what the Binghamton correspondent had to say about Sidney Plains of that day:

 

"Sidney is thirty-nine miles from Binghamton, on the south side of the Susquehanna, and at the intersection of the Midland Railway with the A.&S., and opposite the mouth of the Unadilla river which empties into the Susquehanna from the opposite side, and is the smartest little town along the Albany Railway.  The latter may sound like a pretty broad assertion, but I think I will verify it before I get through.  When I say the population and business of the place have more than doubled in four years., I but repeat what was told me by old and well informed residents.  What other town along the road can say as much?  The present population is about 800.  Of the business establishments, there are two dry good stores, a retail grocery, a wholesale and a retail grocery, hardware store, two drug stores, three hotels, a music store, a millinery store and a millinery shop, wagon shop, two furniture stores, a tailor shop, post office, two blacksmith shops, two meat markets, a steam feed and saw mill, a private banking house, two shoe shops, a jewelry store, two restaurants, two barbershops, a photographer, three lawyers, two physicians, a large and fine public hall, and American Express office and a National Express office. 

 

"The office of the racy little Midland Times is located here, and I had a very pleasant and profitable chat with its genial editor, Mr. J.H. Graves.   Mr. Graves has been a resident of Sidney for twenty-two years, and his description of the rapid rise of the town interested me very much.  Pointing to a location near his office, which he could have purchased five years ago for a certain sum, he stated that its present value is several hundred per cent in advance of its worth at that time, and this is a sample of the whole town.  The passage of two important railways through the village has brought this gratifying change.  In his opinion the future of Sidney is filled with splendid possibilities.  And why not.  With that magnificent plain, two miles long by half a mile to a mile in width, and level as a prairie, there is abundant room for an important city.  Situated in the fertile valley of the Susquehanna, and at the terminus of the Unadilla valley, with two railways passing through its borders, would not a liberal use of capital soon raise it to a town of importance and influence in the State.

 

"A district school with upwards of one hundred scholars, takes the place of and is equivalent to, a union school.  Professor Fields teaches the school for a salary of $1,000 per year--pretty good salary for a district school teacher.  The three hotels of the place are the Delaware House, Messrs. Grimwood & Mumford proprietors; the Bartlett House, J.E. Lonergan, proprietor, and the Central House, which is kept by George Bishop, all of which afford excellent accommodations to the traveling public.  The first named is the largest and appears to be the best patronized.  It has sleeping accommodations for 80 guests.  From the roof of this hotel to which I ascended in company with one of the proprietors and the editor of the Times, a complete bird's eye view is obtained of the town and broad plain surrounded with the ranges of hills encircling all.  From here, also, I could look onto Otsego county just across the river and east to the mouth of the Unadilla, and into Chenango county, the other side of the Unadilla, while I was standing in Delaware county.  There is considerable talk of cutting a circle out of the corners of these three converging counties and make a new country out of it.

 

"There are two churches in Sidney, a Methodist and a Congregationalist.  A Baptist society has also been formed which holds meetings once in two weeks in the Methodist church.  There is also a newly organized Episcopal society which hold meetings every two weeks in the Congregational church, and which is in a flourishing condition.

 

"The D.&H. Coal Company ship a great deal of coal from this station by the Midland to the western part of the State.

 

"One hundred car loads per day are changed here from the A.&S. road to the Midland.

 

"About a mile up the river, in the town of Unadilla, on the opposite side is a large paper and plaining mill, run by water power.  It is owned and operated by Palmer, Humphrey & Co. a wealthy and enterprising firm and they are doing a large and constantly increasing business.  They employ about twenty hands.

 

"Before leaving I had the pleasure of examining, at the Delaware House, a beautiful Chinese Pagoda procured from China by Mr. Grimwood, one of the proprietors of that hotel, when on a visit to that country, at an expense of $100 in gold.  It is twenty-six inches high, of rarest workmanship, and all carved from solid ivory.  He has also a large string of tiger's teeth, procured from the Indians in Central America."

 



Miscellaneous, New Sidney Road 1938

A New Short Cut Near Sidney

1938

 

New cutoff on the Binghamton-Albany highway near Sidney which eliminates three sharp curves and does away with one of the danger points on this route.

 



Marriages (February 15)

Guilford [Chenango Co., NY]:  News has been received here that Miss Elizabeth Sherman of Cannonsville [Delaware Co., NY] and Joseph Condon of Bridgeport Conn., were married in Cannonsville Saturday evening March 16th.  The marriage ceremony was performed by Rev. R.T. Hodgson at the home of the bride's parents Mr. and Mrs. James Sherman.  The groom was a former resident of this place.  The newlyweds will have their home in Bridgeport.  [Bainbridge Republican, March 28, 1929]

 

Last Sunday evening being the occasion of the 31st anniversary of Mr. and Mrs. Edward Loomis, the couple were given a surprise dinner at the home of their son and daughter-in-law, Mr. and Mrs. Melvin Loomis, of Smithville Flats.  All the sons and daughters of the couple were on hand to help celebrate the affair and the bride and groom of 31 years ago were remembered with many fine gifts.  Mr. and Mrs. Loomis removed to the Brackett Lake region of the town of Bainbridge 22 years ago from Gary, Ind.  Mr. Loomis is now engaged in farming.  [Bainbridge News & Republican, Oct. 24, 1935]

Obituaries (February 15)

North Afton [Chenango Co. NY]:  News of the death of Charles McDonald of Richmondville [Schoharie Co., NY] reached this place Sunday morning.  Mr. McDonald married a sister of S.H. Beatman and for years drove the stage from Greene to Bainbridge.  He was a man of advanced years.  The remains will be buried in the North Afton Cemetery.  [Bainbridge Republican, March 21, 1929]

Frank A. Lyon, who for eleven years has been connected with the Oneonta water works, died after an extended illness at his home in Afton [Chenango Co., NY], October 19.  Funeral services were held Tuesday from his home in Afton and burial was in the West Bainbridge cemetery [Chenango Co., NY].  Mr. Lyon was born in Bainbridge June 18, 1864, and had spent most of his life in this section.  He was engaged in the lumber business before moving to Oneonta [Otsego Co., NY].  Survivors are his widow, two daughters and two sisters, Mrs. Carrie Parker, of Oxford, and Mrs. Sarah Shapley, of Bainbridge.  [Bainbridge News & Republican, Oct. 24, 1935]

 

Ira A. Yale, son of Richard and Rebecca Yale, who was born and lived for a number of years in Yalesville [Guilford, Chenango Co., NY], died at his home in Windsor, Mo., Oct. 25, at the age of 93.  Mr. Yale for quite a time had a dental office in Bainbridge and one in Afton [Chenango Co., NY].  In the fall of the year 1879, Mr. and Mrs. Yale and two daughters moved to Nebraska and with his parents were among the pioneers of that region.  They were among the founders and supporters of the first church in that section of the country.  Mr. Yale is survived by a daughter, two grandchildren, and five great grandchildren.  Relatives in Bainbridge are Hudson Lyon, Jesse Doolittle, and Miss Agnes Hayes.  [Bainbridge News & Republican, Oct. 31, 1935]

 

Calvin J. Lyon, well known resident of West Bainbridge [Chenango Co., NY] where he spent the greater part of his life, passed away Tuesday forenoon at Unadilla [Otsego Co., NY].  Mr. Lyon was born at West Bainbridge on April 20, 1863, the son of Spardon and Elmira Briggs Lyon, one of a family of nine children.  As a young man he learned the trade of a carpenter, which he followed until about ten years ago.  Since then he has been employed on the farm of Ward Loomis near Brackett Lake.  Survivors are three brothers, Richard of West Bainbridge, Ernest of Coventry, and Edward of Oxford.  Funeral services will be held Saturday afternoon at the chapel of Colwell Brothers West Main Street, with the Rev. Dawson, pastor of the Union Valley M.E. Church officiating. Interment will be made at the West Bainbridge cemetery.  [Bainbridge News & Republican, Nov. 28, 1935]

 

Gideon Evans, of the 44th N.Y. Regiment, who was wounded in the neck at the battle of the Wilderness, died from the effects of his wound at the 5th Corps Hospital, Fredericksburg, Friday, May 20th, 1864.  The above intelligence comes upon us with a suddenness which in these war times is not uncommon.  Though we knew from the start that his wound was dangerous, a fatal termination had been so long delayed as to raise a hope that the worst anticipations might not be realized.  That hope is now blasted, and the blow falls heavily upon all who knew him.  His brothers in and out of the army keenly feel his loss, and still more does that aged loyal father, who had early instilled into the minds of his children true principles, feel the crushing blow.  He has nothing to reproach himself with.  Gideon was a true soldier and fell where he most wished--fighting for his country.  His name will live forever with the thousands who have laid their lives upon the altar of their country.  [Chenango Telegraph, June 8, 1864]

 

Josephine B. Monfort, died April 14th, 1876, aged 39 years and 8 months and 6 days.  After a brief period of suffering care, she has been called from family and friends to that better and brighter home to be forever at rest.  Such is life, but a few steps from the cradle to the grave, all its issues are in the hand of God.  When we begin to live we begin to die.  Passing away is indelibly written upon all the landmarks of life as our inevitable doom.  Our days flow away like the water, and we spend the years as a tale that is told, "borne on by the resistless course of time, we find ourselves nearing the shore of the unseen land, and pausing ere we cross the dread giver of death.  As we see the last change, the palling cheek, the quivering lips and closing eyes, moments are lengthening into hours, the innermost recesses of our being are stirred.  The bursting heart would break with anguish unspeakable and full of woe, were it not for the assurances that the stern decree, 'dust thou art and unto dust thou shall return,' hath no power over the soul, and though loved friends die, they shall live again."  Bainbridge Republican, April 22, 1876]

Miscellaneous, Presbyterian Church Tower

Serious Structural Deterioration Threatened

Collapse of 1st Presbyterian Church Tower

Bainbridge, Chenango Co. NY - about 1930

 

 

 

Only a miracle, apparently, has saved the steeple on the century-old Presbyterian Church in this village from collapsing during the past several years.  The faulty condition of the structure  was recently discovered by Austin R. Finch when he was investigating a leak in the roof of the belfry.  Had the tower fallen, it would, no doubt, have demolished the fine old edifice, one of the earliest churches to be erected in this part of the state.  Towering nearly a hundred feet above the ground the steeple was originally designed to withstand the elements for many years.  To all outward appearances, the tower and its supporting timbers were sound and only by chance were the defects discovered.

 

The entire steeple construction of hugh pine timbers mortised and fastened together as to prevent any side sway, was enclosed to prevent destruction by the weather; however, apparently water had found a way through to the interior and trickled down to the large beams just above the main part of the church, which carried the load of several tons in weight, and there found its way into the timbers, completing their destruction, leaving only a shell of solid material to deceive those who made previous inspections.

 

The necessary repairs were made during last week by Contractor Finch, and steel I-beams now replace the four pine beams which were hewn timbers 10 by 15 inches and fourteen feet in length. 

 

Other timbers were used to strengthen the structure and a thorough inspection was made to insure against the development of any further defects; once more the church members are confident that this historic landmark will long stand as one of the finest exhibits of early architecture in the state.

 

Sections of the old beams were on display in the vestibule of the church last Sunday, disclosing the fact that the entire inside had rotted away leaving only a thin shell.

 

The Presbyterian Church of Bainbridge was an early landmark in the upper Susquehanna country and was then known as the "Congregational Church of Jerico, Tioga County."  It is probably the oldest church in this county and is said to be the oldest in the Binghamton Presbytery.  Its official record dates from 1793.  The original building, which was never entirely completed, burned in 1814 and a second building was erected in 1818.  This was later used for other than church purposes and then in 1831 the present edifice was completed

Obituaries (February 14)

Killed:  John S. Hicks of Co. E, 61st N.Y. Volunteers, formerly of this place [Norwich, Chenango Co., NY], was killed in battle during the engagement of Sunday, May 8.  Previous to his death, through the influence of some of his friends in Oxford [Chenango Co., NY], he had been commissioned a Second Lieutenant, but we doubt if the information of his promotion reached him.  John has always been a faithful, daring soldier, as well as a true friend.  He was taken prisoner at the second battle of Bull Run, and for a long time was incarcerated in the famous Libby Prison, suffering the indignities heaped upon him by the keepers.  When released he at once [went] at them again, and fell fighting foremost in the heat of battle, with his harness on.  Lieut. Hicks' noble record in some degree brightens the shade which his early decease casts over his many friends.  [Chenango Telegraph, May 25 1863]

 

For fifty years or more Myron M. Holmes has lived on his farm in the southern part of the town of Oxford [Chenango Co., NY], and is known by many of the older inhabitants for many miles around.  Last Thursday morning he was found dead in his bed.  He was eighty years old.  He leaves a wife who is ninety years old, and two children.  The funeral was held at his late home on Saturday.  The burial was in the cemetery near the Baptist church in that part of the town.  [1893]

 

Mrs. Emma Seacord, widow of Stephen Seacord, died at the home of her father, J.B. Sands, Monday morning about 9 o'clock.  She had been a guest at the old home some weeks, and her son, Jerome S., who had come from their home in Unadilla [Otsego Co., NY] to spend Sunday with his mother, had not been gone from the house long when she was taken with convulsions an died in a few minutes as a result of heart disease.  The train had left the depot before the messenger sent to summons the son reached there.  Deceased was 53 years of age and was the oldest child of Jerome B. Sands.  This loss is felt all the more keenly coming so soon after the death of the son, Orrin A. Sands, in Colorado.  The funeral was held Wednesday at 1 p.m. at the house, Rev. Dr. Parke of St. Matthew's church in Unadilla, officiating, assisted by Rev. Mr. Cresser of St. Peter's church.  The interment was in Green Lawn cemetery [Bainbridge, Chenango Co., NY].  [Apr. 12, 1897]

 

East Oxford [Chenango Co., NY]:  The funeral of Mrs. Stone-Anderson occurred at the home of her son, C.M. Stone, April 27th.  The services were conducted by Rev. C.B. Parsons of Oxford.  Interment in East Oxford cemetery.  Mrs. Anderson will be missed very much as she was known throughout the county as Mrs. Stone, the preacher of the Gospel.  She was a true Christian lady and beloved and respected by everyone old and young.

 

Mrs. Frances A. Shapley:  Died Monday, Oct. 11th, 1897 of dropsy at the home of her son, K.E. Shapley in the town of Oxford [Chenango Co., NY], aged 73 years.  The funeral was held Thursday from the house at 1 o'clock.  Rev. Sackett officiated. She leaves two sons. 

 

Coroner E.L. Bennett has handed his verdict in the death of Arland Hine, sixteen-month-old son of Mr. and Mrs. Gerald Hine of Bainbridge [Chenango Co., NY] who died February 11th under what appeared to be suspicious injuries, caused by an injury at the back of the child's head, sustained, it was said, in a fall from his mother's arms as she was about to correct the child.  Among physicians called at the inquest were Drs. F.E. Hill and L.L. Perry, who attended the baby prior to death and later performed an autopsy, and Dr. Thomas F. Manley.  The physicians agreed that the head injury was not sufficient to cause death.  Coroner Bennett could discover no evidence of criminal neglect and issued a certificate that death resulted form a natural cause, apex pneumonia and convulsions.  [Bainbridge Republican, Mar. 21, 1929] 

 

Norwich and county friends were shocked Wednesday upon receiving a message announcing the death of Mrs. H.J. Vander Linder, which occurred on Tuesday evening in a Brooklyn hospital   She was suffering from an attack of pneumonia and was removed from her Brooklyn home to the hospital last Thursday.  No other particulars are at hand.  Mrs. Vander Linden was about 33 years of age.  She went to Earlville [Madison Co., NY] about four years ago with her husband, the Rev. J.H. Vander Linden, pastor of the First Baptist church.  Last April the family moved to Brooklyn where Mr. Vander Linden is pastor of the Strong Place Baptist church.  During the three years of her residence in this county, Mrs. Vander Linden, made many warm friends who sincerely mourn her untimely death.  Besides her husband she is survived by three little daughters, the youngest being only a few weeks old.  [Norwich Sun, Feb. 5, 1925]

Marriages (February 14)

The event last week most conspicuous in social circles, was the marriage of Miss Nellie Cox, daughter of Jared Cox, to Mr. Merrit Burlison, of Guilford [Chenango Co., NY].  Miss Cox is a young lady who stands in high esteem and who has the best wishes of many friends for prosperity and happiness in her new relations, and whose departure from here will be regretted as much as her presence will be welcomed at her new home in Guilford. The ceremony occurred at 2 p.m. on Wednesday last and was performed in an impressive manner, by Rev. E.H. Dupuny of the Methodist church, of this place.  At the hour appointed the bridal party led by Mr. Nellie Sliter, as flower girl, bearing a basket of roses, took their places beneath an evergreen horseshoe and were quickly launched upon the matrimonial sea, a pond that so many have discovered is full of rocks, quicksands, derelicts and leeshores.  Many valuable presents were given the young couple, and they start life with bright prospects, which bid fair to be realized. [1894]

A quiet home wedding occurs this evening on Front street [Bainbridge, Chenango Co., NY] at the home of U.H. Foote, whose daughter, Miss Belle will be married to George Burlison.  The ceremony which takes place at 7:30 will be performed by Rev. T.F. Hall of Binghamton.  The bridal couple will leave for a short wedding trip. 

WARD-CORBIN:  At the M.E. parsonage, March 16, 1895, by Rev. T.F. Hall, Mr. Edgar C. Ward and Miss Celia Corbin, both of Bennettsville, N.Y. [Chenango Co., NY]

BROOKS - WELLER:  At Milford, Otsego Co., by Rev. Wm. Watson, Mr. Lyman Brooks, of Salem, Columbiana Co., Ohio, formerly of this village [Norwich, Chenango Co., NY], to Mrs. Mary S. Weller, of Pittsfield, Mass.  [Chenango Telegraph, Aug. 19, 1863]

Miss Bertha Hall and Fred R. Graves, both of Norwich [Chenango Co., NY], were married July 11th in West Bainbridge, by Justice of the Peace M.E. Herrick.  [1896]

Married, Friday evening, Sept. 3, at Sidney, by Rev. Melville, Dr. R.D.L. Evans, of Bainbridge [Chenango Co., NY], and Miss Mary Moody.  [1897]

At the bride's home on the evening of Sept. 8 by Rev. C.H. Sackett, James B. Williams and Della Searles, both of Bainbridge [Chenango Co., NY].  May a long life and prosperity attend them.  [1897]

Married, Sept. 8, by Rev. C.H. Sackett, Charles Pettys of Bainbridge [Chenango Co., NY] and Miss Lida Swart of North Sandford [Broome Co., NY].  [1897]

JEWELL-GALLUP:  In Norwich, Aug. 7, by Rev. A.J. Van Cleft, E.L. Jewell of Bainbridge [Chenango Co., NY], and Ellen M. Gallup of Norwich [Chenango Co., NY]. 

The teacher of the Wyndham school, Miss Florence Boyce, was married to Bert Edgerton at Greene [Chenango Co., NY], the 18th inst.  [December 1892]

BROWN-WOODS:  At the residence of the bride's parents, December 5th, 1888, by Rev. H.B. Cook, William M. Brown, of Coventry, N.Y. [Chenango Co.], and Miss Onelia D. Woods, of Oxford, N.Y. [Chenango Co.]

On Friday evening, Oct. 8th, occurred the 30th wedding anniversary of Mr. and Mrs. W.H. Ireland.  Although a slight rain set in it did not dampen the zeal of their many friends who had prepared to make it a memorable occasion and at an early hour friends and relatives to the number of about 40 began to assemble to the complete surprise of Mr. and Mrs. Ireland.  After a pleasant social time the wants of the inner man were bountifully supplied by the refreshments that were not overlooked by the ladies.  At about 11 o'clock the company departed for their various homes leaving about $12 as a substantial token of their esteem and wishing the couple many happy returns of the day that made them one.  [1897]

The children of Mr. and Mrs. Alexander Ireland planned and executed a very pleasing surprise on their parents.  The occasion was the 48th anniversary of Mr. and Mrs. Ireland's marriage, and Monday, March 1st, was the eventful day.  About 25 relatives and friends were present and a very enjoyable time was had.  A sumptuous dinner was spread before the guests, and this, with the visiting and other pleasures made the hours slip too swiftly by.  Before the guests departed the honored couple were presented with a substantial remembrance of the day in the form of an elegant rocking chair, and all expressed a desire to attend the golden wedding two years hence.  [1897]

DAVIS-LYON:  At the residence of Horace Lyon December 5th, 1888, by Rev. H.B. Cook, Willie A. Davis of Oxford, N.Y. [Chenango Co.], and Miss Aliph C. Lyon, of Bainbridge, N.Y. [Chenango Co.]

More Birth Notices from the 1890s

Birth Notices from the 1890s

 

Born, June the 15th, a son to Mr. and Mrs. F.L. Hoyt, Bainbridge [Chenango Co., NY].  [1897]

 

A son was born to Mr. and Mrs. T.C. Collins, Friday, July 2d.  Weight 13 pounds.  [1897]

 

A 7-1/2 pound son arrived at the home of Mr. and Mrs. Frank Aylsworth, Sunday, July 4th.  [1897]

Born to Mr. and Mrs. Burton Stork, May 25th, a daughter [1897]

Mr. and Mrs. Willis Hyer have an addition in their family in the form of a little daughter [June 1897]

A daughter, weighing 9 pounds, was born to Mr. and Mrs. Chas. W. Ireland, Tuesday, July 13th. [1897]

Born to Mr. and Mrs. George A. Ives, a son, Friday, January 24, 1896. 

July 31, born to Mr. and Mrs. John Cooper, a son.  Many congratulations.  [1895]

Born to Mr. and Mrs. Gordon Shepardson, Tuesday, April 13th, a daughter, Weight seven pounds [1897]

Born, Thursday morning, to Mrs. W.S. Price, at the residence of her father, E.O. Jaquins, a nine pound boy.  Mother and son are doing well.  [1895]

Born, to Mr. and Mrs. Herman Davenport, Tuesday, Aug. 31st a son.  Weight 5 lbs.  He's a little shaver.  [1897]

Born to Mr. and Mrs. G.H. King, Nov. 19th, a daughter, Lottie Bell.  [1895]

Will Davidson is all smiles.  It is a daughter, weight 8-1/2 lbs..  C. Smith also smiles, it is a son, weight 7-1/2 lbs.  George Royce looks pleasant, a little girl has come to stay with them.  [Aug. 1897]

Ex-President Cleveland is rejoicing over the birth of a son which event occurred last Thursday in Princeton, N.J.  When the announcement was made the college boys posted the following notice upon their bulletin board in front of Reunion Hall:  "Grover Cleveland Jr. arrived today at 12 o'clock, will enter Princeton with the class of 1916 and will center rush on the championship football teams of '16, '17, '18 and '19.  [Oct. 1897]

A daughter arrived at the home of Mr. and Mrs. Edgar Ward, Sunday, Jan. 24th [1897].

A stranger called at the home of Mr. and Mrs. Melvin Herrick on Monday last, feb. 4th.  They concluded to shelter and care for her.  Weight 11-1/4 pounds.  [1895]

Alex Wright is the happy father of bouncing boy, weight 11-1/2 lbs.  [August 1897]

HORTON:  In Big Flats, Chemung Co., April 27, 1897, to Mr. and Mrs. A.D. Horton, a son, Robert Grant.

Born to Mr. and Mrs. Robert Banner, Aug. 22, a daughter.  [1897]

BULLIS:  In Bainbridge [Chenango Co., NY], March 24, 1895, to Dr. and Mrs. Edgar Bullis, a daughter.  Weight, ten pounds and one ounce.

Mr. and Mrs. Herman Newell are the proud parents of a son, born Wednesday, Feb. 3rd.  [1897]

Born Sunday, May 9, to Mr. and Mrs. John Hatton, a daughter.  [1896]

Born:  To Mr. and Mrs. W.A. Hovey, Guilford [Chenango Co., NY], Saturday, May 26, a son.  [1894]

HORTON:  In Oxford [Chenango Co., NY]:  In Oxford, March 8, 1897, to Mr. and Mrs. Lafayette Horton, a daughter.



Obituaries (February 13)

The Rev. Owen L. Buck, closing his third year in the pastorate of the M.E. church at Vestal [Broome Co., NY], died at the parsonage Friday morning March 15 at 2:30 o'clock after a heart attack.  The attack began shortly after mid-week prayer service last Wednesday night and continued for more than 30 hours.  He was 52 years old.  Mr. Buck had suffered a lighter attack a week previous.  Dr. D.G. Dudley and Dr. R.J. McMahon of Endicott and Dr. Carl Benson of Binghamton attended him.  Mr. Buck had not been in good health for some time following attacks of grip.  He was born in Cherryville, Northamptonshire county, Pa., March 6, 1877.  He obtained his education at the high school at Fredericksburg, Pa., and Cazenovia Seminary.  Following ordination into the ministry, he entered the Wyoming Conference of the M.E. church.  His record of pastoral service follows:  Uniondale, Pa., 1909-12; Edmeston-Garratsville, 1913-14; Mt. Upton, 1915-16; Bainbridge, 1917-18; Bennett Memorial, Wilkesbarre, Pa., 1919; Avoca-Yatesville, 1920-23; Newark Valley 1924-25; Vestal, 1926-28.  He was one of the ranking members of the Conference by reason of his long service.  He was a member of the blue lodge of the Free and Accepted Masons of Herrick Center, Pa.  Mr. Buck married Miss Gertrude Tresslar of Lake Ariel, Pa.  Besides his wife,  he leaves a daughter, Miss Hilda, and three brothers the Rev. Albert Buck, Lehighton, Pa.; Norman, Allentown, Pa., and Professor R.C. Buck of Bethlehem, Pa.  The funeral was held in the M.E. church at Vestal Monday afternoon at 2 o'clock, with the Rev. George S. Connell, superintendent of Binghamton district officiating, assisted by the Rev. Leonard C. Murdock, pastor of the Centenary M.E. church.  Burial in Chenango Valley cemetery.  Hundreds of relatives, friends and acquaintances, including many clergymen from nearby towns were in attendance, and long before the remains were borne into the edifice the auditorium was filled to capacity.  The esteem and regard in which the beloved clergyman was held was manifest in the profuse display of beautiful flowers that formed a veritable bower either side of the casket in the middle aisle of the church.  [Bainbridge Republican, Mar. 21, 1929]

 

Harriet T. Banner was born at Southport, Conn., May 18, 1855.  In the year of 1877 she married Gaylord S. Graves.  Two children were born to this couple, Rena, a daughter who died in infancy, and a son, Rexford, who is now residing at Daytona, Florida.  In 1904 Mr. Graves died and Mrs. Graves remained a widow for eight years when in 1912, she was married to the late Daniel Banner who preceded her to their heavenly home by a little more than ten months.  She leaves behind to mourn her loss, one son, Rexford; one brother, Winfield Price of Bainbridge and three sisters, Mrs. Emily Hicks of Clifton, N.Y.; Mrs. Jennie Ryan of Fort Benning, Ga., and Mrs. Nellie Houghton of Waterbury, Conn . and a host of friends, in fact all who ever knew her.  Her last sickness extended from last Autumn when she had an operation for the removal of a cancer.  She suffered very little and yet never regained strength but slowly declined to the last which came on Monday evening, March 4th.  Her funeral was held at 2 o'clock Friday afternoon, March 15, in the Methodist church of Bainbridge of which she had been one of the most active and faithful members for many years, her pastor Rev. L.E. Sanford officiating.  Her remains were placed in the vault until springtime when they will be placed in the old cemetery of Bainbridge to await the summons of the Master of all life. [Bainbridge Republican, March 21, 1929]

 

Three o'clock in the morning of Saturday March 16th, 1929 marked the passing of Harriet Benjamin, wife of A.S.Kirkland of West Bainbridge [Chenango Co., NY]; mother of Mrs. J.H. Bartholf of Sidney, Mrs. F.D. Ireland of West Bainbridge, Lewis L. Kirkland of Bainbridge, Olin A. Kirkland of Sherburne Four Corners and the late John W. Kirland of Bainbridge; and sister of Mrs. Addie Whitney of Nichols and Mrs. Vinnie Lewis and Mrs. Carrie Benington of Morris.  She also leaves several grandchildren, great-grandchildren, nephews and nieces.  She was born June 26, 1847 and early in life united with the Baptist church in Morris, N.Y.  On October 23, 1868 she was united in marriage with Abner Seymour Kirkland of Morris [Otsego Co., NY] upon whom she relied with perfect trust and confidence throughout every step of their long journey of more than sixty years together.  Their home was always open to their friends who will long remember the many gatherings enjoyed there where the mother's every thought and care was for their comfort and happiness and they will now rejoice with her upon her entrance into her perfect home in the "house not made with hands, eternal in the heavens."  Proverbs 31:27, 28, "She looketh well to the ways of her household and eateth not the bread of idleness, her children arise up and call her blessed, her husband also, and he praiseth her."  Private funeral services were held at the home of Frank D. Ireland at West Bainbridge, March 18, 1929 at 2 p.m. with the Rev. R.B. Whitman pastor of the Bainbridge Baptist church officiating.  Interment at Bainbridge.  [Bainbridge Republican, Mar. 28, 1929]

 

DAVIS:  At the Marine Hospital, New Orleans, July 8, 1863, of consumption and chronic diarrhea, Mr.. Ira A. Davis, of Company B, 114th Regiment, N.Y.S.V., aged 26 years.  Mr. Ira A. Davis, surrounded by friends and home attractions, felt nevertheless a strong attraction for country and its welfare.  When the call was made for volunteers in 1862, he responded and went, hoping to be of service in checking the fratricidal hosts which were gathering for the purpose of destroying the government which had so long nourished them.  His hopes were however blighted by sickness.  He was taken sick while his Regiment was at Fortress Monroe from which he never fully recovered, but lingered in feebleness more or less till he died.  His letters to his wife and friends breathed the spirit of the Christian patriot.  He sleeps with the brave who have fallen victims and martyrs for their country.  He leaves a wife and numerous friends to mourn his early departure.  [Chenango Telegraph, Aug. 19, 1863]

 

FORD:  In Mt. Upton [Chenango Co., NY], August 11, 1863, Russell Ford, Esq., in the 65th year of his age.  The deceased was born in Delaware County in this State, and came to this County when a boy.  He held many important positions in his town.  He was elected a Justice of the Peace of the town of Guilford in 1830, and held the office until a few years previous to his death.  He was admitted to practice in all the Courts of this State on motion of his old friend, Hon. Daniel S. Dickinson, at the General Term of the Supreme Court, at Binghamton, in the year 1857, and continued the practice of law until his failing health compelled him to withdraw from the active and exciting pursuits of his profession.  At the time of his decease he was a member of the Baptist Church and had been for 20 years.  Ability, integrity and purity were his characteristics in all the relations of life.  He was a consistent Christian, a kind husband, and an affectionate father, and was beloved by all who knew him.  As his earthly pilgrimage drew near its close he looked back upon a life well spent, and died without regret, regretted by all.  His funeral was attended by a large concourse of his fellow citizens, and he had left a large circle of relatives and friends to mourn his loss.  [Chenango Telegraph, Aug. 19, 1863]

Miscellaneous, Guilford Centre Church Rededication, 1897

Church Rededication - January 21, 1897

Congregational Church, Guilford Center

Chenango County, NY

 

The Congregational church edifice at Guilford Centre was the scene of an unusually interesting service on Thursday, Jan. 21, 1897, the occasion of its rededication. It was built in the autumn of 1816, and first occupied for worship in Jan. 1817, 80 years ago.  It was rebuilt 40 years ago and now again, the original frame of substantial timbers being found as sound as the day the pioneers of Guilford reared it.  But the old structure bore the marks of age, and its style was not adequate to the requirements of the 20th century.  It was determined to remodel and rent it.  According the members of the society have given as their forefathers did, liberally to rear a fit house for the worship of their fathers' God, and worthily have the artisans employed performed the work entrusted to their care, producing an edifice in every way gratifying to the members and friends of the first religious society organized in Guilford.  In place of the somewhat plain meeting house of the early days we see a handsome audience room about 40 feet square, a room for smaller gatherings some 18x29 feet, and an entrance vestibule 11 x 18.  This comprises the main floor.  From the vestibule a stairway leads to a fine room above for social entertainments dinners, etc., with a seating capacity and table room for about 60.  This is fully equipped with cooking facilities.  Here nearly 200 of the old church and its friends found on Thursday that the ladies of the society are prepared to meet with prodigal generosity all demands upon their hospitality.  Modern heating appliances of the most effective kind placed in the basement made the air throughout the entire house thoroughly enjoyable.  A word more about the new audience room which occupies the rear end of the building.  Six large colored glass windows admit abundant light, three looking north, and three south.  The walls and ceiling frescoed a light tint, grateful and restful to the eye, with light and graceful border of darker hue, 20 large lamps in clusters of four, hang from the ceiling, with others against the rear wall for the choir, provide for brilliant lighting.  In the northeast corner is placed the platform for the pulpit, with the seats for the choir and organ at the left of the pastor.  A beautiful new carpet in olive green and pink covers the floor, while the dark seats arranged along three aisles curving towards the pulpit, complete a most inviting sanctuary for the worship of the Creator.  The desk or pulpit is of handsome black walnut, and two chairs of the same material stand behind it.  For the dedicatory service the ladies had embellished the desk and the space in front with flowers, conspicuous among which was a cross wreathed with pepper berries, sent for the occasion from California, by the family of Dr. John Janes, son of a former pastor.  At 10:30 service began with the usual devotional exercises led by the pastor, Rev. E.L. Tiffany, assisted by Rev. Mr. Robinson, D.D. of Delhi, Rev. S.M. Keeler, a former pastor, Rev. Mr. Perrine, rector of Christ church, Guilford, and Rev. M.S. Godshall, pastor of the M.E. church, Guilford.  Addresses were made by Messrs. Keeler and Tiffany, music of fine order by the choir, under the leadership of Mrs. Hattie Clark Horton, who also presided at the organ.  At the close of the morning service, a cordial invitation to dinner was cheerfully accepted by the entire audience, which filled not only the pews but chairs placed in the aisle.  After dinner the audience room was again filled, and the service resumed.  S.A. Ives gave a financial statement of the building committee and delivered the keys to the official board of the church.  Frank S. Clark replied on behalf of the church. The improvements have cost $1,572.96.  The subscription and gifts received from friends, including $100 from J.J. Whiting, and $100 form Mrs. S. Camp of Winsted, Conn., amount to $1,554.50, leaving a deficit of $18.46.  A fund of $76 raised by the young people's society was reserved towards painting the outside of the church.  The trustee then announced that it was desired to raise a sufficient sum to buy a chapel organ, and offered an opportunity for gifts, stating that friends had already sent us $30 for that purpose.  E.B. Bunnell of Guilford rose to give $5 and Geo. A. Ives of Bainbridge gave $15 for the organ fund and $10 for the building deficiency.  A committee then passed through the audience for a general collection.  Pastor Tiffany then said that some remarks were looked for from those whose recollections of the meeting house went back to its young days and called on Calvin J. Mills of Sidney, who came forward to the pulpit and asking the indulgence of the audience as one unused to public speaking, proposed to say something of the fathers whose efforts first built the church and whose names are inscribed on the marble slabs in the neighboring burying ground.  He named Dea. Samuel Mills, Dea. Jesse Whiting, Daniel Johnson and Daniel Savage and their wives, also Julian Whiting and Mrs. Benjamin Skinner who in 1812 organized this church.  He named Hon. Daniel S. Dickinson as one who in the early days read the sermon when there was no minister present, and Rufus Baldwin who succeed him as reader in later years.  He enumerated the various pastors, beginning with Rev. Asa Donaldson and filling the list down to the settling of Rev. J.L. Janes in 1841, and a description of Guilford, its meeting house and services as he remembered them from 1824 to 1840.  He said the extreme high pressure of Pastor Hull from 1832 to 1834 drove away a large part of the church, to form Christ's Episcopal church.  He gave a warm tribute to the clergymen as he knew them as a boy, when his father kept ministers' tavern and "I took care of their horses."  Mr. Mills alluded to the good music of the old days when the choir was led by Uncle Julius Whiting, and the organ built by Elsworth Phelps was played by Mrs. Hiram Whiting, and said he presumed it was "wind broken" and he proposed to give $20 toward the new one.  But the crowning feature of the day was the dedicatory sermon by Rev. Mr. Robinson, D.D., of Delhi, concise, scholarly and eloquent, a synopsis of which would be so incomplete as to do it injustice, but which was listened to by a very attentive audience; followed by a dedicatory prayer by Rev. S.M. Keeler, after which the audience joined in singing "Praise God from whom all blessings flow," and the benediction by Rev. M.S. Godshall.  Thus closed an eventful and enjoyable day for the Congregational church at Guilford Center.

 

Miscellaneous, Bainbridge PO Employees 1950

Bainbridge Post Office Staff

Bainbridge News, July 20, 1950

 

Front row (LtoR):  Mrs. Henrietta Fairbanks, postmaster; Mrs. Mildred C. Lord, Miss Dorothy Dickinson, assistant postmaster; Welland Hitchcock.

 

Back row (LtoR):  Charles Loller, George A. Shelton, R.D.1 carrier; Lynn H. Smith, R.D.2 carrier; Lester A. Stead, R.D.3 carrier

 



Miscellaneous Local Items from 1864

Miscellaneous Local Items

Chenango Telegraph,  June 15, 1864

 

Bainbridge, Chenango Co., NY

 

We learn that we were mistaken in stating in our last that there was to be a new Hotel at Bainbridge.  The proprietor of that "was-to-have-been" institution has ,we are told, sold out, "pulled up stakes" and gone off.  There remaineth one consolation however to the bar room loungers of Bainbridge, and the public generally, in the fact that Mr. Henry L. Marsh, who has lately purchased the "Bainbridge House," is fitting it up in fine style.  It hardly looks like its former self.  Success to the enterprising proprietor.

 

The Episcopal Society are building a fine parsonage on the grounds once occupied by the "Patchen House," and "Kidder's Store."  and which have been vacant since those buildings were burned some years since.  It presents the appearance of being a neat and commodious building.

 

Gil Sherwood, who has so long and so faithfully served the customers at Davis', has been "promoted" to a junior partnership in the establishment.  Gil is a universal favorite with the customers of Davis, who, by the way, are not a few in number, and is eminently deserving the advancement.

 

Guilford, Chenango Co., NY

 

The sufferers in the late fire at Guilford are busily engaged rebuilding their various establishments.  Mr. Delavan has his new shop already nearly completed, and will soon be in working order.  M. Trask is fitting up a shop near the lower part of the village, and will soon be able to manufacture "anything which runs on wheels," to suit the demands of his customers.  Mr. Ogden, on a recent visit to the place, we found diligently working at the "understanding of his house.  Altogether the people seem to have recovered from the shock and have gone diligently at work to repair damages.

 



Obituaries (February 12)

The Rev. William Burnside was born Dec. 20, 1817, in the town of Maryland, Otsego county, N.Y., and died in Sidney, N.Y. [Delaware Co.], May 25, 1893.  When he was nineteen years of age the Revs. A.E. Daniel and John Crawford were appointed to the circuit where his parents lived; during a protracted meeting held by them he was converted.  Immediately after his conversion he heard the voice of the Spirit saying, "Go preach the gospel."  He took the preparatory course, and was received on probation in Oneida Conference in 1842.  Brother Burnside labored on twenty-three charges with great acceptability.  He was a good preacher, a most faithful pastor and very successful in revival work.  Hundreds were converted under his labors, among whom are a large number of ministers.  The last year of his life he was full of zeal for the cause of Christ.  He was always ready to preach or pray; full of hopefulness and good cheer.  He was sick for several weeks, having been taken ill while at the church at Sidney.  His last words to his pastor were:  "I am ready.  It is all well with my soul."  He leaves a widow, who has labored with him for these many years in the ministry, two faithful sons, and many friends to mourn their loss.  J.B. Cook. 

 

Rev. Wm. Bixby died at the residence of his sister in Bainbridge [Chenango Co., NY] on Saturday.  He was one of the oldest members of the Wyoming conference, beginning his ministry in 1837, and has been in continuous active work as a preacher from then until the time of his death with the exception of one year.  His funeral took place Monday , and the burial at Oneonta [Otsego Co., NY].  Mr. Bixby was pastor of the M.E. church in this village in 1844-5, and in 1854-7 was presiding elder of Chenango District, with residence in Oxford [Chenango Co., NY]. 

 

Stanley H. Sprague, a life-long resident of Livingston Manor [Sullivan Co., NY], with the exception of the three years last past, died at his home in Bainbridge, N.Y. [Chenango Co.] on Monday January 7th, 1929 of coronary embolism.  Deceased was born at Deckertown [Schuyler Co., NY] on July 29th, 1859 and was the last living of six children born to Erastus Sprague and Mary Ann Purvis Sprague.  He pursued farming and lumbering since early life and in 1885 married Ilive M. DePuy, daughter of Jacob and Rachael L. DePuy of Centerville, N.Y.  To this union were born four children Floyd who died in October 1912 at the age of 21 years, and Harriet Isabel.  In 1890 deceased purchased the Sprague farm located about one mile north of Livingston Manor, from the estate of his father and lived here until 1918 when, on account of the ill health of Mrs. Sprague, he parted with the homestead to Anthony Vantran of Liberty, N.Y.  In 1918 deceased moved to Bainbridge.  Owing to ill health of both Mr. and Mrs. Sprague their life for the last several eyars had been spent in practical retirement.  Within the past month, heart trouble developed and this caused the sudden death of Mr. Sprague on the 7th inst.  The funeral services were held in the Livingston Manor Presbyterian church, of which deceased was a member, on Thursday January 10th, at 2 p.m. with Rev. Mr. Grosh, pastor of the church and Rev. Mr. Schoonover a former pastor of the deceased, officiating.  Interment was in the family plot in Orchard St. cemetery.  Surviving the deceased are his wife residing at Bainbridge, N.Y., Floyd L. Sprague of Middletown, N.Y., Frank H. Sprague of Ellenville, N.Y. and Harriet Isabel Monroe, wife of Roswell M. Monroe fo Bainbridge, N.Y.  [Bainbridge Republican, Jan. 17, 1929]

Miss Mary Louise Banks died in St. Luke's Hospital, Chicago, March 10th, 1929, after a lingering illness of many months.  Miss Banks, only child of James Meade Banks and M. Sophia Juliand, was born in Bainbridge [Chenango Co., NY].  The family moved to Chicago in 1870, where Mr. Banks practiced law.  He with his wife and daughter became prominent in the church life of Chicago, being members of the Church of The Epiphany at West Adams and Ashland Boulevard.  Mr. Banks occupied a permanent place in the business concerns of that fast-growing city of the middle-west.  After his death in Chicago, Miss Banks moved with her mother to Delafield, Waukesha County Wisconsin, about 1915.  Here she devoted her life entirely to the care of her mother, now an invalid.  But she found time to aid the little church of St. John Chrysostom in its work.  Funeral services were held in the Epiphany, Chicago, Monday, March 11th, the rector, the Rev. J.F. Plummer, assisted by the Rev. Mr. Holmes officiating.  The committal service was held at Bainbridge Wednesday morning, March 13th, with burial in the family plot in St. Peter's Churchyard, the Rev. T.J. Collar reading the burial office.  At the same hour of the committal in St. Peter's Churchyard, a beautiful service was being held in the little Church of St. John Chrysostom in Delafield.  Some of the flowers used on the altar during that service were from Miss Banks' own home.  Miss Banks never forgot the quiet village of her birth.  She delighted to spend here what time she could during her vacation periods.  One of her chief sources of delight was to tramp through the woods which clothed the hills overlooking the village.  St. Peter's church, in which she was baptized when an infant, bears several marks of her thoughtful generosity.  The beautiful rood screen is in part an evidence of her love for old St. Peter's.  The picturesque lich gate at the main entrance in the churchyard was erected by her in memory of her father in 1927.  It was her intention to add much more to the beauty of the interior of the church, but the long extended lingering sickness resulting in death overtook her.  Hers was a life of singular sweetness and simplicity.  She enacted a quiet influence for goodness and the unchanging truths of her religion.  Her intellect was of unusual strength and beauty.  Of her daily life the governing force will illuminated all that she was, and reflected the peace and harmony of her soul was her true discipleship of her Blessed Lord.  Kind there was the inspiring, controlling principle of truth, keen-sighted, yet delicate and tender.  The love of truth is indeed part of the outfit of every noble nature.  "It ranks with charity and purity among the fairest flowers which grow on the Tree of the Cross."  For Miss Banks the adherence to the principle of truth was the strength which enabled her to meet the exacting requirements in a life of real self-sacrifice.  Miss Banks never indulged in any venture of flight of the imagination at the expense of truth.  She lived a consistent life, and was a sincere believer in all the truths of the Christian Revelation, as held and taught by the undivided Church of Jesus Christ.  She held to her faith with sensitive yet strict tenacity, not because of a peculiar personal bias, but because it was God's truth. Because of her inherent love of truth which was reflected in her genuineness Miss Banks worthily enjoyed the friendship of numerous men and women.  Among her friends were those in high station and low station of our complex American life.  Bishops, priests, deacons, educators, statesmen, tillers of the land, and those whose lot it is to do the menial tasks of domestic routine,  all regarded it a rare privilege to call her friend.  To all she was universally kind, generous, considerate, Miss Banks had a gentleness of disposition which was very marked; and self-effacement which corresponded to her gentleness; she disliked that which we call "publicity" regarding her own deeds.  In whatever she did or said she wanted to be left in the background, never to be made prominent.  Miss Banks was a student.  In her home she was surrounded by books which she had carefully choses and read diligently.  Her large library is composed of the masterpieces of the best in literature both secular and religious.  The walls of her beautiful but unpretentious home in the village of Delafield, Wisconsin are covered with copies of the works of the great artists.  And bits of statuary occupy the niches here and there.  Miss Banks was a very good woman, one of the saints of God.  May light, peace and refreshment be hers in the nearer presence of her Divine Lord and Savior. [Bainbridge Republican, Mar. 21, 1929]

At Sidney Plains, N.Y. [Delaware Co.], April 22d, Charles Skinner Bradford, aged 35 years.  He was educated at the Delaware literary Institute, in Franklin, N.Y., entered the 144th Regiment N.Y.S. Volunteers at its organization as Orderly Sergeant, was promoted for good conduct to be First Lieutenant, was a long time its acting Quarter Master; with it he was mustered out of service on the return of peace, with a record unsullied and personal popularity unsurpassed.  He returned to Sidney Plains, was appointed postmaster, entered mercantile business and exhibited the same traits of character which had marked him in the army, order, punctuality and integrity.  He was the friend and counselor of all.  Old and young, high and low came to him for advice and encouragement.  A local descendant of the Rev. William Johnson, who settled at Sidney in 1772, he possessed and developed the more lovable traits of character of that sturdy divine--energy, courage and an unyielding adherence to the light.  He was a gentleman by instinct, a Christian from conviction and practice.  He will be sorely missed by the community, by the Church and by the Sunday School, and in the family circle.  His life was an open epistle, known and read by all men.  In the village of his birth he lived and died, leaving not an enemy or a heart burning.  Well may his survivors take up the lamentation of the ancient prophet, "How is the strong staff broken and the beautiful rod."  His funeral took place on Tuesday and was one of the largest and most impressive gatherings Sidney has ever witnessed.  [Bainbridge Republican, April 29, 1876]

 

 

Miscellaneous, BHS Class of 1933 - Part 2

Bainbridge High School - Class of 1933

Senior Portraits

"Echo" 1933

 

 

Frank Doolittle

"Doo"

 

Russell Elander

"Rusty"

 

Helen Fairbanks

 

Elton Fletcher

 

Genevra Foster

"Gee Ge"

Class President

 

Kathleen Franks

"Kat"

Class Treasurer



Obituaries (February 11)

Frank Merrill, the oldest son of Dwight Merrill of this village [Norwich, Chenango Co., NY], met with an accident on Monday afternoon last which resulted in his death.  The facts as near as we can gather them are as follows:  Frank was engaged in driving a team for Mr. Hamilton Mirsh, and had gone upon the east hill to a lot owned by Mr. Newton, for a load of bark.  While coming down the hill with his load, he was observed by Mr. Edmonds who was some distance off, trying to keep his load, which was tottling and sliding forward, from slipping off, when suddenly Mr. E. saw Frank slip off the front end of the load under the wagon.  Mr. E. ran to him as soon as possible, but he was unable to speak.  One of his legs was broken twice, and his head and chest were badly bruised and crushed.  He survived only about an hour after the accident.  Frank was about sixteen years of age, and was a bright active boy and beloved by all who knew him.  The blow comes with a crushing weight upon his father and mother, with whose tears are mingled the warmest sympathies of the whole community.  [Chenango Telegraph, June 10, 1863]

 

Oxford [Chenango Co., NY]:  Sylvester, a son of Mr. Gomes, the butcher, of Oxford, was drowned in the river on Saturday.  The accident occurred at the slaughter house, which is situated upon the bank of the river just below the dam.  This boy and another of about the same age were playing in the slaughter house, having been engaged in throwing worms into the water to see the fish jump to catch them when young Gomes lost his balance and fell out of the door into the river a distance of about ten feet.  At this point there is a powerful eddy, with an undercurrent that draws all light objects under, and the boy disappeared at once.  His father, who was near when he fell, plunged in and remained in the water nearly half an hour, searching for him, but to no purpose.  The body was not recovered till near noon on Sunday.  Mr. Gomes was very near drowning himself, and a boat had to be sent to his assistance before he could be taken from the water.  The boy was about fourteen years old.  [Chenango Telegraph, June 10, 1863]

 

SCOTT:  Killed at Gettysburg, Pa., July 2, 1863, Mr. Stephen A. Scott, Co. G, 61st Reg., N.Y.S.V., aged 20 years and 8 months.  Only 7 months before, his only brother died in the army of typhoid fever they have an only sister who deeply mourns their loss.

 

Though I mourn thy loss dear brother,

All thy conflicts now are o'er

The aching head is calmly resting,

Safe beyond the battle's roar.

For thy country thou dids't venture,

To engage in the deadly strife.

And while upon the field of battle,

Quickly yielded up thy life.

[ Chenango Telegraph, Sept. 16, 1863]

 

On Friday afternoon between five and six o'clock, the little four-year old son of D.R. Eells, who resides in Preston [Chenango Co., NY] at the little settlement known as "Georgetown," on the road to the county house, was found floating in a pool of water under the bridge that spans the creek at that point.  He was dead when discovered and taken from the water by an elder sister.  Mr. Eells is a painter by trade, who has been working in Guilford during the summer, and was away at his work at the time.  The last seen of the boy alive was about five o'clock, when he and his sister were playing in the highway near the bridge.  Later the sister discovered that he was missing, and that a sprinkling pot or pail that he had with him was on the abutment of the bridge.  Going to the place, she saw her brother partly submerged in the water under the bridge.  She alarmed an elder sister, who drew the body, for life was extinct, from the pool.  Owing to the drought there is not much water in the creek except at this place, which is quite a deep hole that had been washed out by floods.  There was a bruise on the boy's forehead, and it is supposed that he had attempted to get some water from the creek and stood on a loose flat stone that was most convenient for that purpose, which tipped and threw him into the creek.  In the fall he must have struck his head on stones that lined the edge of the pool, which so stunned him that he was unable to help himself or make an out cry and was drowned.

 

The remains of John Ogden were brought here Monday night and the funeral services were held Tuesday forenoon at 10:30 o'clock, burial at Oxford [Chenango Co., NY].  Mr. Ogden went to Connecticut a short time ago to visit friends and relatives, but before he had been there very long he received a shock.  He continued to grow worse until Sunday when he died.

 

Mrs. John Ogden died Monday morning a the age of 77 years.  The funeral was held at the house Wednesday at 1 o'clock, Rev.  M.S. Godshall, officiating.  The body was taken to Riverview cemetery, Oxford [Chenango Co., NY], for burial.  She leaves a husband and one daughter, Mrs. Cornelius Brooks.  [1897]

 

Ellen M. Ogden, only child of John and Betsey Ogden, was born Feb. 2, 1844.  She was married to Cornelius Brooks Jan. 15, 1863, and died at her home in Guilford, April 21, 1897.  For many years she was a consistent and devoted member of the Methodist Episcopal church.  Though subject to deep affliction and intense suffering, her life was characterized by strong faith and Christ like submission, and her womanly gentleness and sweet disposition were an inspiration and a benediction to all with whom she associated.  The funeral services were largely attended from her late residence, and conducted by Rev. M.S Godshall who officiated at the funeral of her only son, Clarence, in 1895, and also at the funeral of her aged mother a few weeks since.  Interment in Riverview cemetery, Oxford.  An aged father, a husband and one daughter survive her--Oxford Times 

 

Miss Maud Nichols was born at North Afton [Chenango Co., NY] Sept. 8th, 1881, and died at the same place last Wednesday, Feb. 3d.  The report of her death was a startling surprise to the community where she lived and her many friends at a distance who were not aware that she was sick.  The nature of the disease that hastened her death was not known, but the physician thinks that possibly there was an internal abscess, which on discharging did the fatal work that took from the home a much beloved daughter, and from the community one whom everybody cherished as a dear friend, for she was a favorite with all.  Dying at the early age of fifteen at a time when her bereft parents were planning and arranging for her future as to school life, for it was hoped she might receive an education, but it was not to be, nevertheless.  She was a beautiful character, had a pure life, for she was learning in the school of Christ, was being fashioned and developed. She loved her Bible and in her brief life actualized the precepts and principles therein taught.  Among her schoolmates who mourn her loss she was the peacemaker, the arbitrator, always striving to settle the little differences and grievances among the younger scholars.  Indeed, with them Maud was a bright, loving, kind sister. Her religious life as to outward profession, was very brief, but long before our dear friend had confessed Christ, she was persuaded of the need of salvation and at the revival meetings held last December she with others knelt at the altar, expressed her desire to become a Christian and the first Sabbath afternoon of the new year she was baptized and received on probation.  Those who have been permitted to listen to her testimony could not but be impressed with the fact that the blessed Savior was her joy, and her anxiety that many of her young friends might become Christians was always expressed.  our dear young friend is gone, but she lives.  She will be missed in school and church, but the fragrance of her sweet life will remain.  funeral services were held at her late residence, Friday, Feb. 5, 1897, by her pastor, Rev. J.L. Thomas of Afton. 

 

At 11:30 in the evening of Jan. 3rd, 1929 the spirit of Myra Jay LaGrange returned to it Maker.  Mrs. LaGrange was born in Binghamton [Broome Co., NY] Jan. 11, 1847 where a large portion of her life was spent.  Since 1908 Mr. and Mrs. LaGrange have made their home in Bainbridge [Chenango Co., NY] where, until ill health and the infirmities of age prevented, she was an active worker in her church and deeply interested in the activities of the village.  Her funeral was held from the late home on North Main street at 2:30 Sunday afternoon, Jan. 6th, with interment in Greenlawn cemetery [Bainbridge, NY].  Rev. Thoma J. Collar officiating.  Many beautiful flowers bore silent testimony to the love and esteem for the departed.  There survive besides her husband, her son-in-law, Frank J. Fletcher of this place, one grandson Wendell Fletcher of Los Angeles, California; two stepdaughters, Mrs. Minnie Leaman of Albany and Mrs. Althea Mack of Albany.  [Bainbridge Republican, Jan. 17, 1929]

 

Word was received last Saturday morning the 12 inst of the sudden death of Fred Hornshu of Indianapolis, Ind.  He underwent an operation after which flu set in which resulted in his death.  Mr. Hornshu was a former resident of Bainbridge [Chenango Co., NY], residing on a farm on Searles Hill.  He was a great railroad man having retired a few years ago.  He has a brother Edward  Hornshu now an engineer on the D.&H. running between Oneonta and Cooperstown.  [Bainbridge Republican, Jan. 17, 1929]