Judge Ray Threatened - 1912

Threats For Judge Ray

Exposure of Death Plot of Convicted Sicilians

Utica Saturday Globe, June 1912

 

 

Judge George W. Ray and grandson

 

Norwich [Chenango Co., NY]:  Press dispatches early in the week exposed a plot hatched behind the bars of the United States prison in Atlanta, Ga., by several members of the Lupo-Morello Sicilian gang of counterfeiters and murderers to assassinate William J. Flynn, chief of the New York division of the secret service, who ran the counterfeiters to bay, and also to kill judge George W. Ray, of the United States District court, who sentenced the coiners to terms of from 15 to 30 years at hard labor in the United States prison.

 

One of the Sicilians told of the plot which was formed last December, when two Sicilians visited Ignazio Lupo, known as "The Wolf," and were instructed to kill the secret service chief and judge Ray. Even during the trial Ray is said to have received a threat of death in a letter, which read:  "If Lupo, Morello and their companions are not liberated you will die like a dog. We have killed better men than you or Smith or Flynn."

 

The Smith referred to was Abel I. Smith, assistant United States attorney, who prosecuted the counterfeiters.  Chief Flynn believes the gang is seeking his life and that its members know who killed Detective Petrostino in Sicily some years ago.

 

As for Judge Ray, he does not seem to be disturbed by any threats of personal harm, or the exploiting of plots to take his life.  He certainly will not be deterred from doing his duty by any such course on the part of condemned criminals.

 

During the days spent at his home in Norwich, a favorite pastime of the judge is the entertainment of his only grandchild, George W., Ray, Jr., the small son of Postmaster and Mrs. J. Johnson Ray.  Grandfather and grandson are nearly inseparable and each vies with the other in getting the most recreation possible out of the hours they are able to spend together.  Already the youngster gives promise of leading as strenuous a life as his distinguished grandfather.

Norwich NY 70 Years ago, Reminiscenses in 1906

Seventy Years Ago

Reminiscences of Early Days in Norwich, Chenango Co., NY 

Related by George W. Denslow, Who Was Ninety Years Old on Sept. 19, 1906

Compiled for the Union by Leonard W. Cogswell

Chenango Union, November 8, 1906

 

I remember the founding of the Norwich foundry and machine shop owned by Samuel Chubbuck, Judah Bement, David Griffing, Hiram Haynes and Hiram Weller.  I knew all those men well, and did business with them.  Their shop was near the present one on the west bank of the canal and near the East Main st. bridge.

 

On West Main street, about where Guernsey street now is, there was a brook flowed down through the north side of High school lot, and where the little house now stands in the corner of the library park property where the trout pond was, there was what was called in those days an "ashery" where potash and soda were made from wood ashes.  Water was run through wood ashes, the resulting liqud evaporated, and from the dry residue rough potash was refined.  Then by another process soda was obtained, and quite a business was done.  The leached ashes were used for fertilizer.

 

Opposite the stone mill on West Main st., across the creek, was a sawmill owned by Wm. Guernsey, where logs and timber were cut up.  The old canal which conveyed water to the wheel and cellar walls of the mill is still visible [in 1906].  Sometime in the 50's I cut down a tree in the rear of my lot and took it up there to be sawed.  I didn't think it would make much, but it made a grand good timber, and I got a lot of money out of it. That was the last log ever sawed in that mill.

 

Down by Austin Taylor's there was a wool carding mill which enclosed what is now Locust street. The farmers took their wool there where it was carded, and then taken home where the women of the house made it into yarn which was spun into stockings, or else woven into cloth which was afterwards sent away to be fulled, then brought back home to be cut into clothes.  When I was a boy all my stockings and clothes were made by hand that way, instead of machinery.

 

I remember when David Maydole started in making his adze-eye hammer, and have seen that business grow from a small beginning to the enormous industry it now is [in 1906].  I knew Mr. Maydole very well, and talked frequently with him.

 

I knew Harvey Hubbard, John F. Hubbard and John F. Hubbard Jr.  It would be hard to find three better, more vigorous and independent thinkers and influential men in any community than those three.  They were all at some time identified with newspapers in this town, and their writings possessed a vigorous personality of their own.  They did their own thinking, and I wish we had more democrats nowadays like them. 

 

When I came here in 1937 I was a carriage maker by trade, and I went to work for John Dodge where Will Coe's house is on East Main st. Then, after two years,  I worked for Snow & Warner, and in 1840 formed the partnership of Dodge & Denslow.  The business proving unsuccessful, I soon went to work for Coddington Brown, and remained with him until the panic of '57 swept the country, carrying down so many business houses.  Then I embarked in the carriage business on my own hook, and was burned out three times,--in 1858, 1863 and 1867.  But each time it burned up my own property, for I owed no man a dollar, but I had no insurance.  I remained in business until September, 1902, when I retired from work, having worked continuously for 70 long years.  But work is good for a man.  "It is better to wear out than to rust out" is an old saying, and I am not very much worn out or rusty yet!

 

The stage house stood where the Joe Latham house is, and was kept by George l. Rider. There all the stages which ran between Utica and Binghamton stopped.  On the great thoroughfares the old fashioned stage coaches, called "thoroughbreds" were pretty good vehicles. They would accommodate 9 persons on the inside, and 5 or 6 on the outside.  A seat with the driver was a great treat, because he knew everybody on the road and could talk entertainingly.  He carried all the news and gossip from town to town, and there was more news to be obtained from a stage driver in those days than from a newspaper.  Nowadays newspapers sometimes print things before they happen!  On the back of the stage was the baggage covered with a heavy boot.  When approaching the town the driver would crack his long whip at his four horses, blow his horn, and they would dash through the street to the stage house on a gallop, suddenly pulling the horses up on their haunches in a cloud of dust!

 

There was the stone mill on West Main st., and an oil mill a little ways down the street where they made flaxseed oil.  Then there was a candle mill on Lock st., where tallow candles were made, for all lights were from tallow dips or molds.  I remember when a freshet tore down one end of the mill and let a lot of oil and flax into the brook.

 

To be continued

Obituaries (December 24)

Frank D. Hill

Utica Saturday Globe, May 1912

 

 

Frank D. Hill

1856 - 1912

 

Norwich [Chenango Co., NY]:  After an illness extending over several years Frank D. Hill died at his home on Maydole street Tuesday morning, aged 53.  Deceased was the son of George and Lucretia Hill and was a native of the town of Lebanon [Chenango Co., NY], but the greater share of his life had been passed in this village.  February 22, 1883, he married Miss Albina Harrington, of Norwich, who survives him, together with one daughter, Hazel, of this village; a sister, Mrs. O.E. Marsh, of Peterboro, Madison county, and one brother, Eugene Hill, of Eden, Ala.  For over 15 years Mr. Hill was an employee of the David Maydole Hammer Company, leaving there to accept a position in the New York, Ontario & Western Railroad shops.  He was a member of Empire lodge of Car Workers and was well known.  Funeral services were held from his late residence Thursday morning, Rev. J.B. Wilson officiating.  The remains were taken to Earlville [Madison Co., NY] for interment.  [Glen Buell Collection, Guernsey Memorial Library, Norwich, NY]

 

Edward G. Bowers

1882 - 1942

Edward G. Bowers, aged 59, well known resident of Norwich [Chenango Co., NY], died at 7 o'clock Friday morning at the home of his sister, Mrs. Lena Flanagan of 26 Rexford street, following a long period of failing health.  He was born in the town of New Berlin [Chenango Co., NY], June 19, 1882, and had resided in Norwich for the past three years.  Most of his life was spent in the town of New Berlin following the occupation of farming.  He was the son of Frank Bowers and Mary Malloy Bowers.  Deceased is survived by his wife, Pearl Tilyou Bowers; six children, Merritt L Bowers of South New Berlin, Raymond Bowers of Hamilton, Byron Bowers of New Berlin and Percy W. Bowers, Fenimore Bowers and Gilbert Bowers of Norwich; 10 grandchildren; three sisters, Mrs. Harriette L. Button of South New Berlin, Mrs. Grace Leonard of Norwich and Mrs. Lena Flanagan of Norwich and several nieces, nephews and cousins.   Mr. Bowers was united in marriage with Pearl Tilyou at Deposit by Rev. William Howell on February 16, 1904.  Devoted to his family, Mr. Bowers was a good neighbor and was well liked by a number of friends and associates.  The body will rest at the home of his sister, Mrs. Flanagan, 26 Rexford street,  until Monday morning where funeral services will be held at 9 o'clock, prior to services at 9:30 o'clock in St. Paul's church. Rev. Charles M. Coveney will officiate.  Burial will be made in St. Paul's cemetery [Norwich, NY].

 

Henry Gilbert Bowers

1856 - 1941

Henry Gilbert Bowers passed away at the family home, 17 Tillman avenue, at 9:30 a.m. Friday following an illness of about four weeks.  Immediately surviving Mr. Bowers is an only daughter, Avis M., residing at home, and numerous nieces and nephews.  Mr. Bower's wife, Adelia M. Aylesworth, died six years ago.  Mr. Bowers was born in Whaupaunaucau, Nov. 10, 1856, the son of Gilbert H. and Harriet Pendell Bowers.  His entire life had been spent in this vicinity.  For years he resided on a farm in King Settlement moving to Norwich about 28 years ago.  For 18 years thereafter he was employed by the Maydole Hammer Company but retired about 10 years ago and since has not been regularly employed.  Early in life Mr. Bowers untied with the King Settlement M.E. church and upon moving to Norwich transferred his membership to the Broad Street Methodist church.  Mr. Bowers had no lodge affiliations, all his social activities being confined to church life.  Funeral services will be held Monday afternoon at 2 o'clock form the Breese Funeral Home with burial in Mount Hope cemetery [Norwich, NY].

 

Leroy H. Bowers

1888 - 1937

Leroy H. Bowers, native of the Town of Norwich [Chenango Co., NY] and for thirteen years an employee of the city street department, died at his home, Mitchell street, January 4, aged 48, following an illness which compelled him to relinquish his position last October.  Funeral services are appointed for Thursday afternoon.  Mr. Bowers is survived by his wife and one daughter, Mrs. Mildred Whiting of this city; three brothers, Reed Bowers and John Bowers of Norwich and Chas. Bowers of South New Berlin.--Chenango Union

 

William Bowers

1841 - 1933

Funeral services for William Bowers, who died at the home of his daughter, Mrs. Frank Brooks in North Norwich [Chenango Co., NY], will be held Thursday afternoon at 1 o'clock at the home with burial in South new Berlin [Chenango Co., NY].  Rev. W.S. Crandall of Binghamton will officiate.  Mr. Bowers would have reached his 94th birthday anniversary had he lived until July.  He had always been a resident of Chenango county.  Besides the daughter above named he is survived by another daughter, Mrs. Helen Morrell of Chenango Lake and five grandsons; Police Chief Lelan Brookins and Officer Ivon Morrell of Norwich,  Eugene Brooks of North Norwich and Herbert and Edwin Brooks of South New Berlin.--Norwich Sun.

 

 

Bainbridge Central, Class of 1956 - Part 2

Bainbridge Central High School, Class of 1956

Senior Portraits

"Echo" 1956

 

 

 

Darwin Bethel Bickford

 

 

Richard Edwin Bradshaw

Class President

 

 

Clarke Wilson Bugbee

 

 

Jerome Ernest Butcher

Junior Prom King

 

 

Richard Dennis Collins

 

 

Frank Clement Corbin, Jr.

Class Treasurer



Obituaries (December 23)

Lois E. Wells

Utica Saturday Globe, May 1912

 

 

Miss Lois E. Wells

1866 - 1912

Norwich [Chenango Co., NY]:  The remains of Miss Lois E. Wells arrived in Norwich Sunday evening, her death having occurred at Clifton Springs Sanitarium Saturday.  For four years Miss Wells had taught in the intermediate department of the South street school in Utica [Oneida Co., NY], leaving there for the sanitarium at the spring vacation.  Miss Wells was 47 years of age and was born in Syracuse [Onondaga Co., NY].  In her girlhood the family came to Norwich, where for many years her father was the leading photographer.  Miss Wells was educated in the Norwich Academy and later became an efficient teacher in the Norwich High School, severing her connection with that institution after a long period of faithful service to accept a similar but more remunerative position in Utica.  While in that city she was a member of the New Century Club and the Utica Teachers' Association.  She was the last survivor of her family, both parents and a brother having previously passed away.  Brief funeral services were held in the parlors of the First Baptist Church at 4 o'clock Tuesday, burial being made in Mount Hope Cemetery [Norwich, NY].  Among the floral tributes was a magnificent contribution from the teachers and pupils in the Utica school, showing esteem in which she was held by them and expressing the sentiment shared by all who knew her.  [Glen Buell Collection, Guernsey Memorial Library, Norwich, NY]

Death Notices

Chenango Union, September 20, 1883

BRUCHHAUSEN:  At her home in this village [Norwich, Chenango Co., NY], Sept. 17th, 1883, Mrs. Mary Leonard Bruchhausen, wife of Dr. Caspar Bruchhausen, aged 60 years, 3 months and 21 days.

WALTER:  In Bath [Steuben Co., NY], Sept. 14th, Mrs. Mary A. Walter, widow of the late Horatio N. Walter, of Norwich, aged 69 years.

MINER:  In Oxford [Chenango Co., NY], Sept. 12th, Mr. Benjamin Miner, aged 58 years, brother of Paul R. Miner, of this village [Norwich, NY].

LETT:  In Oxford [Chenango Co., NY], Sept. 15th,  Mr. Thomas Lett, aged 72 years.

McCULLOR:  In Brisben [Chenango Co., NY] Sept. 7th, Mr. Sherman A. McCullor, aged 63 years.

PORTER:  In East Smithville [Chenango Co., NY], Sept. 8th, Miss Lucretia Porter, aged 72 years.

FREER:  In West Bainbridge [Chenango Co., NY], Sept. 12th, Catharine L., wife of William Freer, aged 72 years.

WHITE:  In Earlville [Madison Co., NY], Sept. 13th, Mr. Richmond White, aged 86 years.

HILL:  In McDonough [Chenango Co., NY] Sept. 11th, Charlotte Amata [Hill], youngest daughter of J.P. Hill.

MILAN:  Killed by the cars, in Oxford [Chenango Co., NY], Sept. 12th, Anna, wife of George Milan, aged about 35 years.

WAGONER:  Killed, near White Store, Sept. 13th, Mr. William Wagoner, aged about 30 years of New Berlin [Chenango Co., NY].

BEECH:  In Pitcher [Chenango Co., NY], Sept. 4th, Mrs. Emilia Beech, aged 95 years.

JONES:  In Bainbridge [Chenango Co., NY], Sept. 11th, Will Jones, in the 19th year of his age.  His remains were taken to South New Berlin for interment.

CHURCH:  In Afton [Chenango Co., NY], Sept. 9th, Cora [Church], only daughter of R.R. Church, aged 12 years.

WILLIAMS:  In Afton [Chenango Co., NY] Sept. 9th, Mrs. Thankful P. Williams, aged 83 years.

EASTON:  At Coon Rapids, Iowa, Sept. 12th, Mr. Wallace Easton, of Afton [Chenango Co., NY], aged 21 years.

Heroic Act of Harold Snow - 1912

Heroic Act of Harold Snow

Utica Saturday Globe, May 1912

 

 

Harold W. Snow

 

Norwich [Chenango Co., NY]:  Norwich men, after all, are very much like other men, in spite of some alleged shortcomings.  Perhaps that sentence, now that it is in print, will need some explanation.  Here it is:

 

The terrible tale of the Titanic disaster was under discussion in a Norwich household the other day when a spinster sister remarked that if the male passengers aboard the steamer had been from Norwich fewer women and children would have been saved.  As if in refutation of this reflection upon the valor and self-sacrifice of the male members of our population comes this story from the west showing how a former Norwich boy rendered the stuff out of which heroes are made.

 

Harold W. Snow, son of Mr. and Mrs. Clarence M. Snow, of this village, now a resident of Chicago, stood on the station platform at Jackson, Miss., Friday when he saw an aged negress step onto the railroad tracks, apparently not realizing her danger from an approaching locomotive. Regardless of his own peril, Mr. Snow seized the woman and pushed her out of the pathway of the engine, but failed to get himself clear of the track.  His right leg was crushed so that it had to be amputated a few inches above the foot, his right arm was badly injured and there were severe cuts on his head.  Mr. Snow's wife and her father are with him in Jackson, having gone there, after the accident, from their home in Chicago.

 

It is seven years since Mr Snow left Norwich for the west, where he worked first for his uncle, Charles R. Westcott, of the Chicago, Peoria & St. Louis Railway.  About four years ago he entered the employ of the Illinois Central in the capacity of secretary to the assistant chief engineer of the road.  He is 27 years of age and was married in Clinton, Ill., about two years ago.  The news of the accident was an unpleasant shock to his many friends here, where, before his departure, he was a member of the George Rider Hook and Ladder company, a Mason and a member of the Ramblers.  His father, Clarence M. Snow, has been in the employ of the O.&W. as baggageman on the Delhi Flyer for about 30 years. About 23 years ago he lost his left wrist when he fell between the wheels of a freight car, at which time he was a brakeman.

 

The negro woman whose life Mr. Snow saved was about 75 years of age and was named Annie Merdith.  She was only slightly injured from a fall when pushed from the track.  Mr. Snow would undoubtedly have been killed except for the quick action of an engineer named Walsh, who was standing near and grabbed Snow, thus preventing him from being drawn under the engine, but could not release him until he had been dragged 30 or 40 feet.

 

Mr. Snow is now at the Baptist Hospital in Jackson and it is learned form a letter received by his parents Thursday morning that he is doing well and will probably recover.

 

[Glen Buell Collection, Guernsey Memorial Library, Norwich, NY]

Obituaries (December 22)

Rev. Asa J. Van Cleft

Utica Saturday Globe, April 1912

 

 

Rev. Asa J. Van Cleft

 

Norwich [Chenango Co., NY]:  At his home in Binghamton [Broome Co., NY] Friday occurred the death of Rev. Asa J. Van Cleft, Ph. D., a former pastor of the Broad Street M.E. Church in this place.  For more than half a century Dr. Van Cleft was an honored member of the Wyoming Conference of Methodist Episcopal Churches and had served faithfully and well in some of the leading pulpits of the conference.  Among the parishes in Pennsylvania in which he was pastor were those at Honesdale, Providence, Dunmore, Scranton, Ashley and Dalton.   For four years he was pastor of the Broad Street church in Norwich.  He had been presiding elder over the Honesdale district and later of the Oneonta district. As financial agent of the Preachers' Aid Society he made his home in Binghamton in which city he subsequently served as pastor of the Clinton Street church.  Two years ago he was appointed to the pastorate at Great Bend, Pa., where after nine months' successful work he became ill with blood poisoning and was forced to relinquish his pastoral duties and returned to Binghamton.  Since that time he had been a great and patient sufferer.  He seemed to be recovering when an attack of grip caused a sudden change for the worse and brought about a fatal result.  Dr. Van Cleft was born in Waverly [Tioga Co., NY] about 74 years ago.  He prepared himself for the ministry and became a preacher soon after attaining his majority.  He was twice married, his first wife being Miss Elizabeth B. Wood, daughter of a prominent banker of Wilkes-Barre, Pa., to whom he was married December 10, 1863.  She died March 12, 1906.  His second wife was Alice E. Frear, of Binghamton, who survives him.  He leaves five children, Mrs. Daniel B. Cushman and John B. Van Cleft, of Norwich; Mrs. T.L. Raymond, of South Norwalk, Conn.; Dr. Edgar Van Cleft, of Oneonta, and Mrs. Frederick D. Branch, wife of Dr. Branch, of Binghamton.  There are also seven grandchildren:  Jesse D., Ruth, Elizabeth and Edward Van Cleft Cushman and Margaret B. Van Cleft, of Norwich; Kathleen Van Cleft, of Oneonta; Fred Van Cleft and Priscilla Branch, of Binghamton.  Funeral services were held on Monday afternoon at 1:30 in the chapel of the Chenango Street Methodist Episcopal Church in Binghamton, Rev. Sweet officiating.  A large delegation of pastors from the various churches attended and led by Rev. A.D. Rines sang several selections.  The bearers were Rev. H.M. Crydenwise, Rev. Mr. Floyd, Rev. Mr. Clark, Rev. Mr. Crompton, Rev. Mr. Nicholson and Rev. C.B. Henry.  The body was brought to Norwich for burial in Mount Hope Cemetery.  [Glen Buell Collection, Guernsey Memorial Library, Norwich, NY]

 

Julia A. (Williams) Harris

Utica Saturday Globe, May 1912

 

 

Julia A. (Williams) Harris

1838 - 1912

 

Norwich [Chenango Co., NY]:  At her home on Birdsall street Monday morning Julia A., wife of Arthur L. Harris, passed into rest.  All winter her health had been broken and for a month or more she had been a great but patient sufferer and maintained her cheerfulness until the end.  Mrs. Harris was 64 years of age, having been born in Norwich October 4, 1847.  She was one of seven children of Deacon and Mrs. Samuel W. Williams.  On December 25, 1866, she married Arthur L. Harris, of Williamsport, Pa., where they made their home for a time.  They later took up their residence in Seneca county, New York State, and afterwards returned to Chenango county, Mrs. Harris being a native of Sherburne [Chenango Co., NY].  For a number of years they have resided in Norwich.  Mrs. Harris was a woman of noble and inspiring character and was greatly beloved in her home and by all who knew her.  She was a member of the Broad Street M.E. Church.  Besides her husband, Mrs. Harris is survived by one daughter, Mrs. George B. Towner, of this place. Another daughter, Mrs. Mary Hitchcock, died two years ago.  There are four grandchildren, Munson and Claude Towner and Justin Hitchcock, of Norwich, and Clifford A. Harris, of New Haven, Conn.  Funeral services were held from the residence Wednesday at 1 o'clock, Rev. A.R. Burke officiating.  The remains were taken to Sherburne for interment in the West Hill Cemetery.  [Glen Buell Collection, Guernsey Memorial Library, Norwich, NY]

 

 

John Ransford Hamilton

Utica Saturday Globe, May 1912

 

 

John R. Hamilton

1833 - 1912

 

Norwich [Chenango Co., NY]:  At the home of his son, Charles W. Hamilton on Henry street, Sunday occurred the death of John Ransford Hamilton, aged 79.  Mr. Hamilton was the son of Orris and Abigail Hamilton and was born on what is known as the Wood farm north of Norwich, March 20, 1833.  He followed the occupation of farming until nine years ago, when he took up his residence in this village.  He was a man of marked integrity of character, considerate in the conduct of the affairs of his home, wise in his counsel in the First Baptist Church of which as a deacon he became an example of constancy and faithfulness.  He will be missed and mourned by the entire circle of his acquaintances.  Deacon Hamilton is survived by his wife, who was Miss Emily R. Winsor, of Otsego county, and whom he married January 1, 1870; by one son, Charles W. Hamilton, of this village, and four daughters, Mrs. Charles Hart and Mrs. Purley Price, of South Otselic; Mrs. Joseph P. Sigler of Smithburg, Md., and M. Belle Hamilton, of Norwich.  Funeral services were held from the residence on Henry street, Tuesday at 2 o'clock, Rev. J.A. Monk officiating. Burial was made in Mount Hope Cemetery [Norwich, NY].  [Glen Buell Collection, Guernsey Memorial Library, Norwich, NY]

 

Marriages (December 21)

Marriage Notices

Chenango Telegraph, April 15, 1863

 

WILLIAMS - DAVIS:  In Bainbridge, April 2, 1863, by Rev. A. Ketchum, Mr. George W. Williams, of Oxford [Chenango Co., NY] to Miss Eliza A. Davis, of Bainbridge [Chenango Co., NY].

 

BISBEE - BROOKS:  In Cincinnatus [Cortland Co., NY], March 1st, 1863, Prof. B. Bisbee, of East Pharsalia [Chenango Co., NY] to Miss Ellen Brooks of South Otselic [Chenango Co., NY].

 

RATHBONE - INGERSOL:  In East Pharsalia, March 1, 1863, by Rev. C.S. Marvin, Mr. Daniel S. Rathbone, to Miss Hellen Ingersol, all of Pharsalia [Chenango Co., NY].

 



Chenango Union, December 9, 1880

TREMMEL - McDONALD:  In Oxford, Dec. 7th, by Rev. Henry N. Payne, Mr. Frank Tremmel to Miss Maggie E. McDonald, both of Norwich [Chenango Co., NY]

 

BENNETT - WILLIAMS:  At the residence of the bride's parents, in Bainbridge, N.Y. [Chenango Co.], Dec. 1st, 1880, by Rev. G.E. Wheeler, Mr. J. Howard Bennett, of Oxford [Chenango Co., NY] to Miss Frank M. Williams, daughter of Russell Williams, Esq.

 

HODGES - SHELDON:  In Morris, Nov. 24th, by Rev. W.J. Quincy, Mr. Lemott Hodges, of Columbus [Chenango Co., NY] to Miss Ella M. Sheldon, of Morris [Otsego Co., NY].

 

BEEBE - COLE:  In Oneonta, Nov. 20th by Rev. H.H. Allen, Mr. Albert W. Beebe, of Curtisville, Mass., to Miss Ella J. Cole of Bainbridge [Chenango Co., NY].

 

MASON - CLINTON:  At the M.E.Parsonage, in Oxford, Nov. 30th, by Rev. LW.Peck, D.D., Mr. John S. Mason, of McDonough [Chenango Co., NY] to Miss Emma A. Clinton, of German [Chenango Co., NY]

 

Chenango Union, December 30, 1886

 

ELLIOTT - CURNALIA:  In this village, Dec. 15th, by Rev. A.G. Upton, Mr. Edward Elliott, to Miss Ella May Curnalia, all of Norwich [Chenango Co., NY].

 

CLARK - KING:  At the residence of the bride's parents in Smyrna [Chenango Co., NY], Dec. 25th, by Rev. J.J. Wedge, Mr. George Clark, to Miss Nettie A. King.

 

STILLMAN - CHURCH:  In Otselic, Dec. 18th, by Perle Fitz Randolph, Mr. George R. Stillman, of Cuyler Hill [Cortland Co., NY], to Miss Olive M. Church, of Otselic [Chenango Co., NY].

 

BANNER - WILLIAMS:  In Bainbridge, Dec. 23d, by Rev. H.B. Cook, Mr. Frank D. Banner, to Miss Nellie Williams, both of Bainbridge [Chenango Co., NY]

 

DIBBLE - HUNT:  In Bainbridge, Dec. 21st, by Rev. HB>Cook, Mr. Morritt A. Dibble, of Franklin [Delaware Co., NY] to Miss Mary B. Hunt, of Afton [Chenango Co., NY].

Obituaries (December 21)

William R. Curtiss

Utica Saturday Globe, April 1912

 

 

William R. Curtiss

1843 - 1912

Norwich [Chenango Co., NY]:  Funeral services of the late William R. Curtiss were held from the residence of W.P. Chapman Tuesday afternoon.  About  a fortnight ago, Mr. Curtiss was found upon the floor of his room in New Haven, Conn., in a partial stupor and with a blazing oil heater, which had evidently exploded, on the floor beside him.  The flames were extinguished and the patient removed to the New Haven Hospital as quickly as possible.  The severe burns caused an acute attack of nephritis from which he appeared to rally at first, but later succumbed rapidly, his death occurring Saturday.  The remains were brought to Norwich for interment.  Mr. Curtiss was a native of Norwich where he was born in 1843.  He was one of the first pupils of the old Norwich Academy and, after some bookkeeping  experience in his father's warehouse, pursued a course in the Eastman Business college at Poughkeepsie.  He had just become of age when he entered the service of Fiske & Hatch, in their banking house in New York city, where he remained for a long course of years earning steady promotion and enjoying in full the confidence of his employers.  In 1885 Mr Curtiss retired from active business, for a time returning to Norwich to reside.  In 1889 he married Grace R. Hall.  Two children, Roswell Hall Curtiss, and Amy E. Curtiss, with their mother, survive him.  He leaves a sister, Mrs. W.P. Chapman, of this village.  For the past few years Mr. Curtiss had represented different business houses in banking and other lines.  Although he had met with financial reverses, his courage and grit kept him always in the field, a faithful worker for the welfare of his family.  His personal character was one of purity and integrity.  He was formerly a member and active worker in Plymouth Church, Brooklyn, but at the time of his death was a member of the Congregational Church of this village.  Burial was made in the family plot in Mount Hope Cemetery [Norwich, NY], Rev. H.W. Foreman, rector of the Emmanuel Episcopal Church, officiating, in the illness of Rev. Paul Riley Allen, pastor of the Congregational Chruch. 

 

Arthur G. Williams

1870 - 1950

Arthur G. Williams, 8 Weir St., died at about 1:30 a.m., Friday, March 31st, after an illness of two weeks.  Funeral services were held at Carr & Landers Funeral Home at 2:00 p.m., Sunday, April 2nd, with the Rev. Robert P. Kellerman, pastor of the Methodist Church, officiating.  The body was placed in a vault for burial later in Yaleville Cemetery [Guilford, Chenango Co., NY].  Pall bearers were the five sons-in-law:  Jay Badeau, Willis Vaughn, Lawrence Haynes, Wesley Brown and Edson Shafer, and his oldest grandson, Robert Pendlebury.  Mr. Williams was born January 18, 1870, at Afton [Chenango Co., NY], son of George and Jennie (Russel) Williams.  He had been a resident of Sidney [Delaware Co., NY] for 56 years.  At one time he operated a tailor shop on Cartwright ave. and then on Main street near the present postoffice.  He was n the automobile business for a time, and later had charge of the Oneonta warehouse for the State Highway department.  For some years before his death he had been a shoe salesman.  Surviving are his wife, the former Maggie Pettys; six daughters, Mrs. Jay Badeau, Mrs. Lawrence Haynes, and Mrs. Willis Vaughn, Sidney; Mrs. Earl Conamp, Fort Lauderdale, Fla.; Mrs. Wesley Brown, Cleveland, Ohio; Mrs. Edson Shafer, Binghamton; a brother, Pratt Williams, Bainbridge; seven grandchildren and two great grandchildren.

 

Death Notices

Chenango Union, December 9, 1880

 

STEVENS:  In this village [Norwich, Chenango Co., NY], on Sunday evening, Dec. 5th, Mr. George F. Stevens, aged 37 years.

 

LAMB:  In McDonough [Chenango Co., NY], of diphtheria, Nov. 4th, Albert R., aged 7 years.  Also, Nov. 11th, Cora M., aged 3 years, children of Ray and Mary J. Lamb.

 

BIRDSALL:  In Greene [Chenango Co., NY], Nov. 24th, at the residence of her nephew, Dr. W.D. Purple, Mrs. Ann Birdsall, widow of the late Maurice Birdsall, aged 87 years.

 

HENDEE:  In Sherburne [Chenango Co., NY], Nov. 27th, Mrs. Harriet Hendee, aged 77 years.

 

JOHNSON:  At Wappinger's Falls, Dutchess Co., Dec. 4th, Rev. Charles H. Johnson, aged 48 years, son of Homer Johnson, of East Norwich.

 

HURLBUTT:  At Gilbertsville [Otsego Co., NY], Nov. 8th, Mrs. Elisha Hurlbutt, aged 47 years, sister of E.H. Gadsby, of Norwich.

Blog Posting listing, December 14-20, 2015

Listing of blog postings for the week of December 14-20, 2015

Marriages

Posted December 14, 2015

Mr. & Mrs. Michael Foy (Norwich, 50th anniversary, 1912)

Marriage Notices - 1881

     Mr. A.M. Schermerhorn - Frances J. Hubbard

     Clarence Hakes - Miss C.E. Fairchild

     Rev. Franklin Pierce - Jennie Burgher

     Edward E. Keith - Cora L. Kelley

     Lewis P. Goss - Abigail Canston

Posted December 17, 2015
Annie L. Hooper - Edwin R. Belden (1912)
Marriage notices - 1885
     Morris Hickey - Bridget Kilroe (Norwich)
     Robert Harrington - Phebe Williams (Oxford)
     Brownel W. Miner - Mary A. Vroman (Plymouth)
     S.F. McFarland, M.D. - Addie Chamberlain (Afton)

Posted December 19, 2015
Blanche May Adams - Charles Morris (1912)
Marriage Notices - 1865
     Justus Bunce - Sally J. Bump
     Edward H. Hartwell - Mavilda Bentley
     Charles Race - Jennie Cady
     James Darrow - Frances S. Padgett
     Calvin C. Sumner - Sabrina L. Palmer
     George M. Baxter - Rosa Ann Cash

 

Obituaries

Posted December 14, 2015

Jacob Salladin (Norwich, Mexico NY, 1912)

Death Notices - 1881

     Clara Sergeant (Norwich)

     William C. Pell (Norwich)

     Horatio Babcock (Columbus)

     Louise McGraw (Earlville)

     Jasper R. Griffing (Syracuse, Norwich)

     Thomas Kershaw (Sherburne)

     Aden D. Eldredge (Indianapolis, Norwich)

     Infant daughter Fraser (Oxford)

     George Perkins (Oxford)

Posted December 16, 2015
Minnie (Beagle) Cahill (Norwich, 1912)
Hannah M. (Jackson) Shepard (Norwich, 1912
Earl B. Bennett (Norwich, Kattellville, 1939)
Walter W. Billings (Norwich, 1941)

Posted December 17, 2015
Charles W. Potter (Norwich, 1912)
Archie C. Bingham (South Edmeston, 1942)
Gladys May (Fowler) Bingham (New Berlin, 1941)
Charlew W. Bishop (Edmeston, 1931)

Posted December 18, 2015
Josephine (Wierengo) Taylor (Norwich, Minneapolis MN, 1912)
Charles Bissell (Norwich, 1925)
Gertrude May Bissell (Norwich, 1942)
Death Notices - 1885
     Mary A. Hunt (Norwich)
     Henry Prime (Norwich)
     Rosa Samson (Norwich)
     Mary V. Smith (Norwich)
     Mrs. John O'Hollaren (Syracuse, Norwich)
     Agrippa Butts (Smithville)
     Darius Benjamin (Lincklaen)
     Hiley Coon (Mt. Upton)
     Jonathan Bush (Guilford)
     Mrs. Israel Bennett (Guilford)
     Edward R. Warren (Coventry)
     Dr. B.H. Aylesworth (Oxford, Iowa City)
     Mattie Santmier (Wilkesbarre, PA, North Pharsalia)

Posted December 19, 2015
Lilah Adelia Breed (Norwich, 1912)
Elizabeth (Zorn) Albert (Guilford, 1911)
Mrs. Tyler Hovey (Guilford, 1911)
Hiram R. Brown (Pharsalia 1911)
Gilbert Cotton (Sherburne, North Norwich, 1911)
Paige Croswell Stilwell (Afton, Sidney, 1948)
Death Notices - 1865
     Henry M. Watkins (Otselic)
     Mary Fowler (Sherburne)
     James Archer (Sherburne)
     LaMott Bissell Tyler (Bainbridge)
     Mary E. Brown (Preston)
     Elbert Eugene Dodge (Oxford)
     Esther Carpenter (Smithville)
     Jerusha Pratt (Smithville)

Posted December 20, 2015
Frank Coy (Norwich, 1912
Lucy Anna (LaFore) Bloom (Norwich, 1942)
Death Notices - 1890
     William Rath (Norwich)
     Jasan I. Belden (Preston
     Lovana Foot (North Norwich)
     Lavinia Tiffany (Oxford, Norwich)
     William N. Holcomb (Bainbridge)
     Alfred W. Corbin (McDonough)
     Lina Williams (Guilford)
     Henry R.  Hall (Greene)
     Silas Hollenbecfk (Greene)
     Eley Coon (Sherburne)
     Abbey Harwood (Sherburne)


 

Miscellaneous

Posted December 16, 2015

Norwich NY Seventy Years Ago,  Reminiscences of George W. Denslow - 1906, Part 3

Posted December 17, 2015
Bainbridge Central High School Class of 1956, Part 1.

Postee December 18, 2015
Norwich NY Seventy Years Ago, Reminiscences of George W. Denslow - 1906, Part 4

Posted December 19, 2015
Norwich NY Police Force - 1912

Posted December 20, 2015
Henry Hewitt Resigns from Norwich National Bank, 1912

Henry Hewitt Resigns - Norwich NY, 1912

Henry Hewitt Resigns From Bank

Assistant Cashier Will Turn Efforts to Other Fields

Utica Saturday Globe, February 1912

 

 

Henry Hewitt

Norwich [Chenango Co., NY]:  After nearly 19 years of service Henry Hewitt severed his connection with the National Bank of Norwich on February 1.  He became teller of the bank under the presidency of the late T.D. Miller, upon whose death, H.D.Newton, who had been cashier, became the president and Mr. Hewitt was made assistant cashier.

 

The National Bank of Norwich ranks among the oldest and strongest banks in this section of the State and during the period of Mr. Hewitt's employment it has become one of the most enterprising and aggressive.  The old, unattractive and cramped building in which the business sof the bank was carried on during its first half century of its history has been remodeled into a handsome, up-to-date and well appointed banking house.  Mr. Hewitt was the oldest employee and during his long service worked early and late for the successful building up of the institution  His resignation is regretted by all connected with the bank who appreciate his faithfulness and by the business men generally who realize his devotion to the welfare of the village which he has served as trustee and president.  In other positions of trust and responsibility in which he has been tried he has never been found wanting.

 

Mr. Hewitt's plans for the future have not been perfected, but he expects to remain in Norwich and devote his time to other liens of work in which he is already interested.

 

Glen Buell Collection, Guernsey Memorial Library, Norwich, NY

Obituaries (December 20)

Frank Coy

Utica Saturday Globe, April 1912

 

 

Franklyn Coy

Norwich [Chenango Co., NY]:  After a short illness, Frank Coy died at his home on Prospect street, Friday, aged 56.  As game constable for a number of years Mr Coy became well known throughout this section.  Funeral services conducted by Rev. W.B. Roupe, pastor of the Free Methodist church, were held at the Lawrence undertaking parlors Saturday afternoon.  Burial was made in Mount Hope Cemetery [Norwich, NY].

 

Lucy Anna (LaFore) Bloom

1892 - 1942

Mrs. Lucy Anna Bloom, wife of City Assessor Ray D. Bloom died suddenly at her home 23 Mitchell street [Norwich, Chenango Co., NY], Tuesday afternoon.  Her body was found on the kitchen floor at 3:30 by her son-in-law, Robert E. Martin, when he returned from work at the O.&W. shops.  Dr. E.F. Gibson, who was hastily summoned, said death had occurred about two hours earlier.  A gas heater used for heating the kitchen was found partially turned on and an unlighted match was on the kitchen table.  It is believed that Mrs. Bloom was seized with a heart attack as she was about to light the gas heater and toppled to the floor,.  In falling her hand evidently came in contact with the connection for the electric clock, as the clock was stopped at 1:04.  When Mr. Martin, who resides in the upstairs apartment at the Bloom home, first came into the hall he detected a strong odor of gas.  As he entered the kitchen the gas fumes were more intense.  Mr. Bloom, who is the Republican committeeman for his ward, had been engaged during the day on election work, and was reached at the city hall.  A hurried call for Dr. Gibson was made.  Mrs. Bloom had not been well for the past month and had received medical care.  It is believed she was seized with an attack as she bent over to light the gas heater and fell to the floor. 

 

Lucy Anna LaFore was born in Michigan, Jan. 18, 1892.  She was united in marriage with Mr. Bloom at New Haven, N.Y., September 28, 1912, and they took up their immediate residence in Norwich which since has been their home.  She was a member of Broad street Methodist church and the Ladies Auxiliary to the B. of R.T.  She was held in high regard by those who knew her and there are many friends who will deeply deplore her untimely death.  Besides her husband she leaves a daughter, Mrs. Robert E. Martin of this city; a sister, Mrs. Nettie Gillespie of New York, and a brother, Louis LaFore of Michigan.  Services are to be held at the Breese Funeral Home at 2 o'clock Friday afternoon, with Rev. Dr. W. Gray Jones officiating.  Burial will be made in Mt. Hope.

 

Death Notices

Chenango Union, November 13, 1890

 

RATH:  In this village [Norwich, Chenango Co., NY], October 30, 1890, Mr. William Rath.

 

BELDEN:  In Preston [Chenango Co., NY], November 8, 1890, Mr. Jasan I. Belden, aged 56 years and 10 months.

 

FOOT:  In north Norwich [Chenango Co., NY], November 10, 1890, Mrs. Lovana Foot, aged 75 years.

 

TIFFANY:  In Oxford [Chenango Co., NY], November 6, 1890, Mrs. Lavinia Tiffany, aged 74 years, widow of the late Brown Tiffany, formerly of Norwich.  Interment at South New Berlin [Chenango Co., NY].

 

HOLCOMB:  In Bainbridge [Chenango Co., NY], November 4, 1890, Mr. William N. Holcomb.

 

CORBIN:  In McDonough [Chenango Co., NY], November 4, 1890, Mr. Alfred W. Corbin, aged 47 years.

 

WILLIAMS:  In Guilford [Chenango Co., NY], October 16, 1890, Lina, wife of Jacob J. Williams, aged 23 years.

 

HALL:  In Greene [Chenango Co., NY], November 5, 1890, Mr. Henry R. Hall, aged 74 years.

 

HOLLENBECK:  In Greene [Chenango Co., NY], November 10, 1890, Mr. Silas Hollenbeck, aged 63 years.

 

COON:  In Sherburne [Chenango Co., NY], November 5, 1890, Mrs. Eley Coon, aged 78 years.

 

HARWOOD:  In Sherburne [Chenango Co., NY], November 3, 1890, Abbey, wife of Lee Harwood, aged 59 years. 

 

 

 

 

Norwich Police - 1912

Efficient Police Force of Norwich

Utica Saturday Globe, 1912

Sitting:  Mayor and Chief John O.H. Reed
Standing left to right - Officer Frank J. Clark, Jerome B. Lewis, Capt. Frank Butts, Neil H. Lewis, Albert M. Warner, George W. Smith, Mason J. Aldrich--Photo by Hartwell Bros.

Glen Buell Collection, Guernsey Memorial library, Norwich, NY

Marriages (December 19)

Morris - Adams

Utica Saturday Globe, April 1912

 

Charles & Blanche May (Adams) Morris

Norwich [Chenango Co., NY]:  Monday afternoon, at the residence of the officiating clergyman on Birdsall street, Miss Blanche May Adams and Charles Morris were married by Rev. Ira W. Bingham. The bride was attired in blue silk and was attended by Miss Grace Mathewson.  The best man was J.E. Green.  The bride is the daughter of Mrs. Mary Adams, of Maydole street and the groom is a popular Ontario & Western fireman. Together they have many friends who offer good wishes.  Mr. and Mrs. Morris left on the northbound Lackawanna train for a short wedding journey and upon their return will reside with the groom's mother, on George avenue.

 

Marriage Notices

Chenango Telegraph, November 15, 1865

 

BUNCE - BUMP:  At the M.E. Parsonage, in Afton, Nov. 8, by Rev. B.H. Brown, Justus Bunce and Sally J. Bump, both of Afton [Chenango Co., NY].

 

HARTWELL - BENTLEY:  At the residence of the bride's father in Sherburne [Chenango Co., NY], Nov. 8, by Rev. E. Cortiss, Edward H. Hartwell of Plymouth [Chenango Co., NY] and Mavilda [Bentley], daughter of Milton Bentley of Sherburne.

 

RACE - CADY:  At Emmanuel Church in Norwich, on the 14th inst., By Rev. E.Z. Lewis, Charles Race of Binghamton [Broome Co., NY] and Jennie Cady of Norwich [Chenango Co., NY].

 

DARROW - PADGETT:  In Guilford, Nov. 5, by the Rev. W.G. Queal, James Darrow of Norwich [Chenango Co., NY] and Frances S. Padgett of Oxford [Chenango Co., NY]

 

SUMNER - PALMER:  In Sherburne, Nov. 5 by Rev. William Russel, Calvin C. Sumner and Sabrina L. Palmer, all of Sherburne [Chenango Co., NY].

 

BAXTER - CASH:  At White Store, Norwich, Oct. 29, by Geo. Curtis, Esq., Geo. M. Baxter of Masonville [Delaware Co., NY] and Rosa Ann Cash, of Sydney [Delaware Co., NY].

Obituaries (December 19)

Lilah Adelia Breed

Utica Saturday Globe, April 1912

 

 

Lilah Adelia Breed

1888 - 1912

Norwich [Chenango Co., NY]:  After a brief illness at her home on Adelaide street occurred the death Tuesday of Lilah Adelia Breed, wife of Joseph L. Breed, aged 24.  Mrs. Breed was born in Fredonia, N.Y. [Chautauqua Co], February 5, 1888, but her home has been in Norwich since she was 8 years of age.  On January 7, 1908, she became the bride of Joseph L. Breed, who survives, together with a bright little 3-year-old daughter; also her mother, Mrs. Alice Dye, who resided with her, and one brother, Merton Dye, of Lakewood, Ohio.  Funeral services were held from the residence Thursday afternoon, Rev. J.B.Wilson officiating.  The Ladies' Auxiliary to the Brotherhood of Railroad Trainmen had charge of the services at the burial in Mount Hope Cemetery, Mrs. Breed having been an active and esteemed member of that organization.  The pall bearers were brother members of Mr. Breed in the Loyal Order of Moose. The beautiful floral offerings bore mute but eloquent evidence of the loving regard of many friends. [Glen Buell Collection, Guernsey Memorial Library, Norwich, NY]

Elizabeth (Zorn) Albert

The Norwich Sun, May 2, 1911

Guilford [Chenango Co., NY]:  The funeral of Mrs. Conrad Albert, whose death was noticed in our former issue, was held from the home of Mr. and Mrs. Martin Zeorb Sunday at Mt Upton.  The Rev. H.W. Little of Christ Church conducted the services, and interment was made in Sunset Hill Cemetery [Guilford, NY].  Mrs. Albert and husband resided in the village for many years until failing health compelled them to give up their home and go to their daughter's, Mrs. Esther Zeorb, where they have been kindly and lovingly cared for.  She was greatly respected by our older people.  Her age was 85 years.  Besides her husband, now in his 90th year, she is survived by three sons, John Albert of Norwich, Edward Albert of Oxford, Burnside Albert of Afton, and three daughters, Mrs. Lucia Brown of Elkland, Pa., Mrs. Martin Zeorb and Miss May Albert of this place, all of whom were here to attend the funeral.  John and Edward Albert were accompanied by their wives, also two grandchildren, the Misses Carney, of Unadilla, were at the services.

 

Mrs. Tyler Hovey

The Norwich Sun, May 2, 1911

Guilford [Chenango Co., NY]:  Mrs. Tyler Hovey died at the home of her son, Mr. and Mrs. George Hovey, Friday afternoon.  She was 92 years old and was the last of our aged people.  The most of her long life has been spent here where she was respected by all.  Mrs. Hovey has been for many years a faithful member of the Methodist Episcopal church.  The funeral, which was held Monday at 11 a.m. from the home, was conducted by the pastor of that church, Rev. R.M. Pascoe, with burial in the family plot at the Guilford Center cemetery.  One son, George T. Hovey, and a daughter, Mrs. G. Webb of Coventry, survive her.  Those present at the services from out of town were, Mrs. Webb of Coventry, Mr. and Mrs. Draper Easton of Bainbridge, Mr. and Mrs. Elroy Saulsbury of Oxford and William Hovey of Searles Hill.

 

Hiram R. Brown

The Norwich Sun, May 2, 1911

Pharsalia [Chenango Co., NY]:  Hiram R. Brown of this place died Monday, May 1, 1911.  Mr. Brown had been a long and patient sufferer and the bereaved family has the sympathy of the entire community.  Funeral will be held Wednesday at 1 o'clock and interment will be made in the Pharsalia cemetery.

 

Cincinnatus Times, May 11, 1911

At  his home in Pharsalia, on the morning of May 1st, 1911, occurred the death of Hiram R. Brown.  He was 75 years of age, having been born Sept. 13, 1835, in the town of Pharsalia, where he was a life-long resident.  He had been in poor health for several years and had been confined to his home since last August, during which time he had been a constant sufferer.  The funeral was held at his late home on Wednesday afternoon at 1 o'clock, Rev. E.E. Benson of Cincinnatus had charge of the service.  Mr. Roscoe Davis and Miss Adelaide Davis sang "Face to Face," and "Rock of Ages."  Interment was in the cemetery at Pharsalia. Deceased is survived by a wife, Julia Brown, by four sons, Randolph L. Brown of Pitcher Springs, Lewis L. Brown of Greene, Henry R. Brown of Pharsalia and Charles E. Brown of German, also by two brothers, Francis Brown of DeRuyter and Ray Brown of Scranton, Pa.

 

Gilbert Cotton

The Norwich Sun, May 2, 1911

Sherburne [Chenango Co., NY]:  Gilbert Cotton died at his home on Chapel street in this village Saturday night after a lingering illness and a protracted period of indisposition.  Mr. Cotton was a veteran of the war between the States and lost a leg in the service.  He moved to this village from North Norwich about twenty years ago and has resided here ever since.  Mr. Cotton was a good citizen and a good neighbor and enjoyed the respect of all who knew him.  He is survived by his wife and two children, Mrs. Flora Brower, and Louis Cotton, both of this village.  Mr. Cotton was  a member of the local post of the G.A.R.

 

Paige Croswell Stilwell

Afton Enterprise/Harpursville Budget, February 26, 1948

Paige Croswell Stilwell, 62, of North Afton [Chenango Co., NY], died of a heart attack at 1:15 p.m. Monday.  He is survived by his wife, Carrie of North Afton; two daughters, Mrs. Ralph Colton and Mrs. Irving Tryon, both of Afton, a sister, Mrs. Ralph Seymour Wibur of Cooperstown; three grandchildren, and several nieces and nephews.  The funeral was held at the Karschner Funeral home, Afton this Thursday at 2 p.m.  The Rev. George B. Graves officiated. Burial will be in Sidney at the convenience of the family.

 

Afton Enterprise/Harpursville Budget, March 4, 1948

Paige C. Stilwell an esteemed resident of Afton [Chenango Co., NY] for many years, passed away at 1:15 p.m. February 23, 1948 at the age of 62 years.  He was born in Oneonta [Otsego Co., NY], May 4th, 1885, the son of Sarah (Barber) Stilwell and Paige C. Stilwell Sr.  When about five years of age the family moved to Sidney [Delaware Co., NY] where he resided until the fall of 1908 when with his father they purchased the property known as the Leroy Beatman farm at North Afton which was his home until his death.  Mr Stilwell went to work for the D.&H. Railroad at an early age where he remained until the purchase of the farm.  He was a member of long standing of Lodge No. 71 B of L.F.&E. of Oneonta.  He is survived by his wife Carrie of North Afton two daughters Mrs. Ralph Colton and Mrs. Irving Tryon and three grandchildren all of Afton.  Also one sister, Mrs. Seymour Wilbur of Cooperstown and several nieces and nephews.  Funeral services were held at 2 p.m. last Thursday at the Karschner Funeral Home with Rev. George B. Graves officiating.  Committal services were in charge of Lodge no 71B of LF. and E.  Interment will be in Prospect Hill Cemetery [Sidney, NY] at the convenience of the family.

 

Death Notices, Chenango Telegraph, November 15, 1865

 

WATKINS:  In Otselic [Chenango Co., NY], Nov. 1, Henry M. Watkins, aged 34 years and 20 days.

 

FOWLER:  In Sherburne [Chenango Co., NY], Mary Fowler, aged 47 years.

 

ARCHER:  In Sherburne [Chenango Co., NY], Nov. 1, James Archer, aged 58 years.

 

TYLER:  In Bainbridge [Chenango Co., NY], Oct. 28, LaMott Bissell [Tyler], eldest son of Ozias B. and Susan Tyler, aged 17 years.

 

BROWN:  In Preston [Chenango Co., NY], Nov. 3, Mary E., daughter of Dudley Brown, aged 18 years.

 

DODGE:  In Oxford [Chenango Co., NY], Nov. 3, Elbert Eugene [Dodge], son of Oscar and Elizabeth Dodge, aged 14 months.

 

CARPENTER: In Smithville [Chenango Co., NY], Nov. 3, Esther, wife of Noah Carpenter, aged 73 years.

 

PRATT:  In Smithville [Chenango Co., NY], Nov. 4, Jerusha, wife of the late Alanson Pratt, Esq., aged 64 years.

Norwich NY Seventy Years Ago, Reminiscences of George Denslow - 1906

Seventy Years Ago

Reminiscences of Early Days in Norwich, Chenango Co., NY 

Related by George W. Denslow, Who Was Ninety Years Old on Sept. 19, 1906

Compiled for the Union by Leonard W. Cogswell

Chenango Union, October 18, 1906

 

The postoffice was a small compartment in the front of the store, with a glass front about 6 ft square.  Back of this glass front there were pigeon holes about the size of postoffice letter boxes now.  A box six feet square was large enough to contain all the mail of those days.  70 years ago we did not have a dozen mails a day as we do now, loaded down with daily papers and letters from all over the world.  In 1837 the news came by stage coach from Boston, New York, Philadelphia and Washington, and it was a slow process, taking five days from Philadelphia, seven days from Washington  and Boston.  There were no postage stamps or envelops in 1837.  The postage was very much higher then than now, being six cents for any distance under 30 miles, 30-60, 8c; 60 to 100 miles, 10c; from 200 to 450 miles, an average of 20c, and 25c for all distances over 450.  Thus the postage on a letter from New Haven was 18 pence, which was 18-1/4 cents.  You can readily see that very few letters were sent at that rate, and up to 1845 letter writing did not keep up with the growth of population.  No more letters were written than necessary, as we could not afford to waste so much money on postage for the useless scribbling of today.  How many love letters do you suppose the young man of today would write if he had to pay 25c  postage on each one?  Because of the high postage and the scarcity of paper they wrote in a fine hand, using every available inch of space, not much like the big coarse hands of today.  There being no government envelopes, the letters were either wrapped in a package tied with twine, or also one corner folded over and sealed with wax.  I  have some old letters in my possession now with the corner turned over.  Then it was taken to the postoffice and sent on its way, postage "C.O.D." to be paid by the person to whom it was addressed.  If possible, letters were always sent privately by the hand of some passenger, instead of by mail, to save postage, and after express companies were started, they carried a great many letters at less than regular postage rates.  In 1845 the postage was reduced to 5c, for every letter under 300 miles, and 10c for all over 300 miles, and in 1855 the postage was 5c under 300 miles and 6c over that.  When it was 10c we thought that was wonderfully cheap.  Now you can send a letter any where in the United States for 3c!

 

Before the introduction of postage stamps, the postoffice officials in large cities kept regular running accounts with well known merchants, who sent their mail matter to the post office daily.  The cost of postage was calculated by the clerks and charged up to the merchants, and bills rendered therefor at the end of the month.  When I received letters, I had to pay the postage, and if I did not have the change, I would pay the postmaster later.

 

I well remember the agitation by Sir Rowland Hill in England in favor of lower postage in 1840 and of the use of stamps there then.  The United States was rather slow about adopting them and it was not until 1847 that we used a regular stamp here.  I remember well how they looked.

 

In those days we had shillings and pence.  In New Haven, Conn., had the "Yankee shilling," 6 shillings, to the dollar, 16 and two-thirds cents, and when I came here to Norwich, I thought it mighty strange to find the "York" shilling, 8 to the dollar, 12-1/2 cents.  I remember a little incident about that too.  In those days we young bloods used to go to dances.  I remember when first I came here, Roswell Curtiss, and myself and three or four others went to Preston to a supper and dance, and we found there Mrs. W.N. Mason of this village (then Miss Cary of Oxford) and the Hale girls.

 

We had supper and I went up to pay.  I said "How much is it?"  The clerk replied "a couple of shillings."  So I handed him a couple of Yankee shillings and he said "I guess you are a Yankee from Connecticut."  I had handed him 33 and one-third cents, when all he wanted was 25c, so I got 2 pence back!

 

In November, December and January, 1837 -8 there was no sleighing at all here, but in February of 1838 there was a good  2 ft of snow.  In 1839 I remember that 15  inches of snow fell on the 15th of November.  I remember it well, because I was down in a shop where the D.L.&W. depot now is, with Snow & Warner.  I had purchased a lot of goods in New Haven, of Cowles & Co., the fall before, and sent them to New York where they were put on a canal boat and shipped via Albany and Utica by canal. When they reached Pecksport just above here they were caught by the snow storm, and I had to send a team up there to get them down. That amount of snow closed up the canal for good that winter.  I had my goods here on time to cast my vote in the election of 1840.

 

Coming back to the houses on the east side of South Broad st., the next was a shoe and leather store kept by Truman Enos, who had a tannery up by the old red mill where Wheeler's planning mill now is.  Bill Hale kept a saloon down in the stone block, and he afterwards moved to New Haven and kept a livery stable on Crown st. near the Register office.

 

Where the Tanner block now is Lyman Brooks had a store.  Then there was a little alley way with an express office in the rear, the alley now being closed up.

 

Where Winsor's bakery now is there was a building called the "Old Long Tavern" the bakery now being about one-third of the original length of the tavern.

 

The next was the Col. John Noyes house, which then looked just like the house Dr. Purdy lives in.  The front of the Noyes house has been changed, built up to three stories, the big pillars added to the front, and is now called the American Hotel.  The man who helped put those pillars in, Clark Blackman, died about three years ago.  He was one of three who took the job to get those pillars for $100.  Where the Chenango Union office now is was then a vacant lot, the Mammoth store being built there shortly afterwards.

 

Where Mr. Danials lives was James M.D. Carr's house, and then Judge York where Dr. Purdy now lives. The next was George l. Rider's house, the president of the Norwich fire company in 1838.  Between Rider's house and the Curtiss house there was nothing but vacant land.  The canal used to run through there, and there was a canal storehouse on the corner of Piano st. The canal ran around in where Eaton's grain warehouse now is, and then up north nearly parallel to the D.L.&W. tracks for a ways.  Then David Oviatt, Dr. Johnson's, where Charles Nash now lives, then the York farmhouse.  Judge York owned all the land clear down to Hale st.  Then came the old Tom Prentice house, and from there clear down to the bridge was nothing but vacant land.

 

To be continoued

 

 

 

 

Obituaries (December 18)

Josephine (Wierengo) Taylor

Utica Saturday Globe, April 1912

 

 

Josephine (Wierengo) Taylor

1862 - 1912

At her home in Minneapolis, Minn., April 5, following a year's illness, occurred the death of Josephine, wife of John L. Taylor, a former well-known resident of Norwich.  Deceased was a daughter of Mr. and Mrs. William Wierengo of Muskegon, Mich., in which place she was born.  In 1900 she was married in this village [Norwich, Chenango Co., NY] to John L. Taylor and during two years' residence here Mrs. Taylor formed many pleasant friendships.  In 1902 they went to Minneapolis where Mr. Taylor had previously resided and where he is now a successful real estate dealer.  Besides her husband Mrs. Taylor is survived by/ three sisters, Mrs. Margaret Peterson, Mrs. H.B. Smith and Mrs. Jenny Horn, all residents of Muskegon, where the remains were taken for interment.  Rev. Archibald Hadden, pastor of the First Congregational Church, officiating at the funeral services.

 

Charles F. Bissell

1871 - 1925

The body of Charles F. Bissell, well known resident of this city [Norwich, Chenango Co., NY] for many years, was discovered partly embedded in the ice in the Canasawacta creek Friday morning by persons residing on the western end of Conkey avenue.  Investigation showed that the body had been in the water several hours.  Death was not due to drowning, in the opinion of Dr. E.W.Wilcox, coroner, but to exposure and was accidental.  The upper part of the body was embedded in ice, the legs and lower part being covered by water.  No water had touched the face or upper portions of the body, which was on his back only a few feet from the shore of the creek.  Indications are that Mr. Bissell had stepped on the edge of a steep embankment of the creek at that point, slipped and rolled down the bank into the water, where he was unable to rescue himself.  It is difficult to estimate how long the body had remained in the position in which it was found, but that it had been there several hours is a certainty.  Mr. Bissell, who made his home with his sister, Mrs. May Sullivan of Mitchell street, was about the city as usual Thursday and apparently his usual self.  He visited with friends during the afternoon, and when the body was found a copy of Thursday night's edition of the Norwich Sun was found in his pocket.  He arose as usual Thursday morning and after eating a hasty breakfast went to his place of business on East Main street.  Mr. Bissell, who was 53 years of age had for many years conducted a carriage hardware business and recently had been engaged in taking an inventory.  He always ate his mid-day meal down town but for some reason did not return home for his evening meal Thursday night.  Upon leaving his sister's home Thursday morning he made the remark to his great nephew, James Male, that when he returned home if the boy's mother would permit he would take the boy fishing.  Charles Bissell was a genuine fisherman and one of his fondest pleasures was to roam the brooks of the county fishing.  It is the belief of his sister and close friends that he went to the Canasawacta creek on Thursday night to get minnows, and that in the act of doing so he lost his balance and fell into the water.  In addition to his love for water and fishing Charles Bissell was a crack billiard shot.  He was as good with the billiard cue as any man who played that game in Norwich and he delighted to play it.  He was a member of the Norwich Club and many a winter evening he might be found there with billiard cue in hand playing a game with his friends.  

Charles Bissell was born in the town of North Norwich, Sept 30, 1871, the son of the late Henry F. and Frances Bissell.  Early in life he came to Norwich, where he has resided nearly all of the time since.  For many years he worked for Cary & Son in the carriage hardware business on East Main street.  Later he formed a partnership with George A. Crane which continued for a few years.  Recently Mr. Bissell had conducted the business alone.  The only organization to which he belonged was the Norwich Club and he was a frequent visitor at the club house located on East Main street.  The news that his body had been found in the Canasawacta creek Friday morning was a great shock to his many friends in this city.  After the discovery of the body police headquarters was called and Chief L.H Babcock and Officer Geo. W. Smith responded.  Coroner Wilcox was later called and under his direction the body was taken from the water with the aid of rakes. The body was first removed to the Breese undertaking rooms, but was later at the request of the family taken to the parlors of Lawrence & Devine.  The only survivors are a sister, Mrs. May B. Sullivan, and three nephews and five nieces.  Funeral arrangements have not been made.

 

Gertrude May (Thompson) Bissell

1896 - 1942

Funeral services for Mrs. Gertrude May Bissell, wife of Ray Bissell, who died at Homer Folks Hospital, Oneonta [Otsego Co., NY], Tuesday, will be held in the Free Methodist church at 2 o'clock Thursday afternoon, with Rev. Dudley W. Rose officiating.  Interment will be made in Mt. Hope cemetery [Norwich, Chenango Co., NY].  Mrs. Bissell was born April 10, 1896, and had been a resident of Woods Corners for many years.  Mrs. Bissell, a patient sufferer for a long time, entered the Homer Folks Hospital in Oneonta for observation.  Her condition was too critical for help and her tired spirit was released from earthly care soon after entering the institution. The beauty of her character was manifested by a cheerful manner throughout her suffering and distress.  Mrs. Bissell, frail in body, was not active in community life but proved herself a faithful wife and a loving mother in the home circle.  Here her loss will be keenly felt.  For some time she had been a faithful attendant of the Free Methodist church and made it her permanent choice by joining Easter of this year.  The survivors are the husband, Ray Bissell; a son, George F. Bissell; a daughter, Alice Jane Bissell; the father, DeCalvus Thompson, and two brothers, Rial Thompson and James Thompson.

Death Notices

Chenango Union, May 7, 1885

HUNT:  In this village [Norwich, Chenango Co., NY], May 3d, Mary A., wife of Oscar Hunt, aged 62 years and 4 months.

PRIME:  In this village [Norwich, Chenango Co., NY], April 30th, Mr. Henry Prime, aged 51 years.

SAMSON:  In this village [Norwich, Chenango Co., NY], May 3d, Rosa Samson, aged 39 years.

SMITH:  At the Utica Asylum, May 5th, Mary V., wife of John Smith, of this village [Norwich, Chenango Co., NY]

O'HOLLAREN:  At Syracuse [Onondaga Co., NY], on the 22d ult., from the effects of a cancer, Mrs. John O'Hollaren, daughter of Mrs. Dennis Hickey, of this place [Norwich, Chenango Co., NY], She leaves a husband and six children.

BUTTS:  Suddenly in Smithville [Chenango Co., NY], April 30th, Mr. Agrippa Butts, aged 86 years.

BENJAMIN:  In Lincklaen [Chenango Co., NY], April 26th, Mr. Darius Benjamin, aged 90 years.

COON:  Suddenly, in Mt. Upton [Chenango Co., NY], May 4th, Hiley, son of J.H. Coon, aged about 17 years.

BUSH:  In Guilford [Chenango Co., NY], April 23d, Mr. Jonathan Bush, aged 82 years.

BENNETT:  In Guilford [Chenango Co., NY], April 22d, Mrs. Israel Bennett.

WARREN:  In Coventry [Chenango Co., NY], April 29th, Mr. Edward H. Warren, son of the late Romeo Warren, aged 42 years.

AYLESWORTH:  In Iowa City, April 13th, Dr. B.H. Aylesworth, formerly of Oxford [Chenango Co., NY].

SANTMIER:  In Wilkesbarre, Pa., April 23d, Matie, daughter of Rev. David J. and Mary E. Santimier, aged 6 years, 4 months and 16 days.  Remains taken to North Pharsalia [Chenango Co., NY] for burial.