James Warner - Early Blacksmith

No Traces Can Be Found of Old Blacksmith Shop

James Warner Was Famous as "Smithy"

The old blacksmith shop of James Warner, when it was located in West Bainbridge. 

Inset is close-up of the "village smithy" James Warner

 

      In the cemetery at West Bainbridge, there is a stone marking the last resting place of James Warner, born in 1833 and died in 1917.  He was one of the last old-time blacksmiths Bainbridge was to know.  Today, there is no trace of his shop or anvil left;  only these snapshots taken of him and his shop shortly before his death. 

      Some of the residents of Bainbridge remember his shop near the bridge in Union Valley [Bainbridge, Chenango Co.., NY], and the first shop that he set up over 50 years ago at the four corners of West Bainbridge, where Hans Sorensen now lives. 

      He learned his trade as a boy and spent four years as an apprentice in Goshen.  Later, he served as a private in the Civil War and, for a time, was not active in blacksmithing. 

      An amusing story is told about him and his mittens.  In the winter time, he had great difficulty in keeping track of them.  One day, he appeared in a general store and, much to the amusement of the cracker barrel loafers, he had the mittens attached to either end of a string and hung around his neck.  He died at the age of 84 and was buried in West Bainbridge where he had lived.  [Edna Pixley Scrapbook]

 

 

Tombstone - West Bainbridge Cemetery

James M. Warner / 1833 - 1917

Maggie Halstead / His Wife / 1841 - 1899

Obituary

      1917:  The body of James M. Warner, 87 years, who disappeared from this city Thursday afternoon was found beside the Delaware and Hudson tracks a mile beyond Duanesburg, by a train crew, about 7 o’clock yesterday morning.  Death appeared to have been due to exhaustion and exposure.  Coroner A.G. Baxter was notified and went to Duanesburg to make an investigation.  Warner, who came here from Bainbridge, N.Y., was visiting his nephew, W.H. Williams of 335 Veeder avenue.  Thursday he was downtown to visit a barber and later started for a walk.  It is supposed he became confused and walked until he dropped from exhaustion.  He was a veteran of the Civil War.  The body was taken to undertaking rooms at Delanson and will be shipped in Bainbridge where the funeral will be held tomorrow afternoon.  [Schenectady Gazette, Jan. 27, 1917]

 
James M. Warner was born in Susquehanna Co., Pa. Feb. 1, 1833, the son of David and Susannah Warner.  He married Maggie (Margaret) A. Halstead in Susquehanna Co. (New Milford), Pa. on May 19, 1858. (Maggie was born March 1841 in Orange Co., N.Y. and died March 22, 1899 and is buried in the West Bainbridge  Cemetery.  She was the daughter of Benjamin & Betsy Halstead).  James M. Warner died January 25, 1917 at Duanesburg, near Schenectady, while visiting his nephew Wm. Williams.  Warner, according to a news story in the Schenectady paper, had at 84 years of age, walked to the barbershop.  After his haircut he started back and it’s assumed he became confused and lost.  Walking until he dropped of exhaustion, he was found froze to death the next morning, alongside the D&H Railroad.  He was buried in the W. Bainbridge Cemetery, January 28, 1917.  James & Maggie had [at least] 3 children…:  Ella Warner….who was married to Frank Payne of Bainbridge; who was a son of Elmer Payne & Theodora Bartlett & grandson of Hiram Payne;  Warner, who was married to Jessie Williams of Schenectady….and a son Jessie A. Warner who died 1918…He is buried in the West Bainbridge Cem.;  sharing the headstone of his parents.  James M. Warner was a veteran of the Civil War, a private & an artificer in the ‘A’ company of the first regiment of the Penna. Light Artillery.  An artificer was a person who repaired cannons, etc.---James M. Warner was a blacksmith by trade.  After the Civil War, Warner & his family moved about quite a bit:  In Orange Co. N.Y. & Trenton, N.J. especially, before settling down in Bainbridge around 1885….[Letter to the Editor, author/reference unknown]

Obituaries (August 14)

Mrs. Michael Foy

Utica Saturday Globe, August 1915

 

Mrs. Michael Foy

1840 - 1915

Norwich [Chenango Co., NY]:  A lingering illness lasting nearly a year, came to a close with the death of Mrs. Michael Foy at her home on Rexford street Tuesday morning.  About a year ago Mrs. Foy suffered a slight stroke of apoplexy and since that time her health and strength had gradually failed.  Deceased was born in Wexford county, Ireland, September 15, 1840. She was married to Michael Foy, who died about two years ago. All of their married life had been passed in the home where they died.  Of eight children, four died in infancy and three passed out of this life after rising to spheres of distinction, Mrs. Martin Scanlon, with whom deceased resided, being the only surviving member of the family.  Rev. James P. Foy, the eldest son, who died in 1905, was one of the ablest pastors and most eloquent preachers in the Syracuse diocese;  the youngest son, Dr. Michael H. Foy, who died in 1913, was a prominent physician and skilled surgeon of Yonkers.  The daughter, Miss Margaret Foy, who passed away in 1896, was one of the leading music teacher of Norwich, and the organist of St. Paul's Church; the surviving daughter, Mrs. Scanlon, was for a term of years a valued instructor in the schools of Norwich and vicinity.  All were graduates of Norwich High School.  In the death of Mrs. Foy Norwich loses a noble type of Irish-American womanhood.  All her life she was a devout Catholic and one of the most active members of St. Paul's parish, which she and her husband assisted in organizing.  Her home life was ideal and in every phase of life she worthily performed her part. Funeral services were held from her late home Thursday morning at 9:30, followed by solemn high mass of requiem at St. Paul's Chruch, Rev. Father Prendergast, the pastor, being assisted by Rev. J.J. Higgins of Utica, and Rev. Thomas F. Conway, of Skaneateles.  Interment was in St. Paul's Cemetery [Norwich, NY].

 

Gertrude Connor Thompson Cook

Cortland Democrat, October 27, 1922

Mrs. Gertrude Connor Thompson Cook, wife of Charles R. Cook died at her home near this village Oct. 18, aged 44 years.  Mrs. Cook had been a patient sufferer from cancer.  The deceased was born in Canada, but had resided in this vicinity a number of years.  On Oct. 13, 1914, she was married to Charles R. Cook. She is survived by her husband, one little son Cleland; and two daughters, Mrs. Basil Conrad and Miss Eunice Thompson. She also leaves her father, six sisters and two brothers. The funeral services were held at the home Saturday afternoon Rev. A.E. Morey officiated.  Burial was made beside her former husband, in Valley View Cemetery [South Otselic, Chenango Co., NY].  Friends and relatives were present from Harford, Swartwood, Cortland, Taylor, Pitcher and Norwich.

 

Cincinnatus Times, October 26, 1922

Death entered out midst again Wednesday evening, taking Mrs. Gertrude Cook, who has long been a patient sufferer.  She underwent an operation last winter from which she never fully regained her health.  Deceased was 44 years of age.  She is survived by her husband, Charles Cook, one son, Cleland Cook, two daughters, Mrs. Myrtle Conrad of Unadilla and Eunice Thompson of this place, also two sisters of this place, Mrs. Elton Warner and Mrs. Thomas LaVergne, two brothers, Dunham Connor of Norwich and Harry Connor of Sherburne, besides many other relatives and friends who extend sincere sympathy to the family in their sad bereavement.  Funeral services were held at the home at Rhode Island Saturday afternoon.  Interment was in Valley View cemetery by the side of her first husband, George Thompson, who passed away several years ago.

 

Marilla A. Gordon
1854 - 1937

 GORDON:  Mrs. Marilla A. Gordon died Wednesday at the home of her daughter, Mrs. Alvin Stead in Oxford.  The funeral will be held at 2 o'clock Sunday afternoon in the Baptist Church in Oxford [Chenango Co., NY].

 

The funeral of Mrs. Marilla H. Gordon, 83, widow of David Gordon, late of the village of Oxford was held from the Oxford Baptist Church this afternoon at 2 o'clock with the Rev. F.L. Anderson, church pastor, officiating assisted by the Rev. Leon Bouton, pastor of the Oxford Methodist church.  Burial was at Riverview Cemetery.  Born in Oxford, the deceased had been a lifelong resident here.  The survivors are one son, Supervisor Frank Hovey of Oxford and two daughters, Mrs. Alvin Stead and Mrs. Homer Padgett, both of Oxford.

 

 Fannie E. (Cushman) Cronk

1878 - 1937

Norwich [Chenango Co., NY]:  Mrs. Fannie E. Cronk, widow of Charles C. Cronk, died today at the Chenango Memorial Hospital, from pneumonia after brief illness. A  native of Guilford [Chenango Co., NY], the deceased had been a resident of Oxford for many years.  The survivors are four sons:  Orville of Garden City, L.I., Waldron of Schenevus, Floyd and Clarence, of Oxford. The body was taken to Oxford by F.W. Seymour and Sons, where a private prayer service will be  held at the home of the son, Floyd, Saturday afternoon at 1:30 with the funeral services at the Oxford Methodist church at 2 o'clock.  The Rev. Leon Bouton will officiate with burial at Riverview Cemetery, Oxford [Chenango Co., NY].

Anna Quirk Aylesworth

ca 1871 - 1937

Mrs. Anna Quirk Aylesworth, 67, passed away at her home in Juliand street [Bainbridge, Chenango Co., NY], Sunday afternoon, February 21, from a complication of diseases of nearly a year's duration and which had confined her to the bed under a nurse's care for the past two months.  Mrs. Aylesworth was born on June 7, 1869 in Albany, the daughter of Dennis and Ann Quirk.  About thirty-six years ago she came to this village where she has since made her home.  On October 17, 1900, she was united in marriage with William Sidney Aylesworth, of this village, the ceremony being performed at Pittsfield, Mass.  Mr. Aylesworth's death occurred about four and one-half years ago. The funeral was held Tuesday morning in St. John's Catholic Church, this village, with a Requiem Mass. with Rev. H.L. Contois, officiating.  The remains were taken to Albany where a Requiem Mass was sung Wednesday morning in St. John's Chruch followed by interment in St. Agnes' cemetery.  Mrs. Aylesworth was active in the work of St. John's church in this village so long as health would permit, and during her many years as a resident here and formed a large circle of friends who mourn her passing. A sister, Mrs. Mary Freeman, of Albany, who is the sole survivor, was with Mrs. Aylesworth at the time of her death and accompanied the remains to Albany, Tuesday.

Marriages (August 13)

Houseman - Park

Cortland Standard, July 6, 1923

Virgil [Cortland Co., NY]:  Forest Houseman, son of Mr. and Mrs. Charles Houseman of this village, and Miss Jennie Peck, daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Leslie Park of the Virgil -Cortland Road, were married Friday, June 29 in Owego [Tioga Co., NY].  The bride was one of the recent graduates of the Cortland Central High school.  Both bride and groom are very popular among the young people of the community and have a host of friends, both young and old, who wish them a life of happiness and prosperity.

 

Gilmore - D'Onofrio

Afton Enterprise, February 3, 1944

Miss Tillie D'Onofrio and Sergeant Floyd Gilmore exchanged marriage vows at five o'clock Sunday afternoon in a double ring ceremony performed in the St. Simons and Jude church in Brooklyn, N.Y.  Father Welch read the marriage service.  The bride is the daughter of Mrs. Ann D'Onofrio, Brooklyn.  The bridegroom is the son of Mr. and Mrs. E.F. Gilmore of Afton.  The bride had for her maid of honor and only attendant, her sister, Mrs. Francis Brand and Fred Brand was best man for the bridegroom.  The bride was given in marriage by her brother, and wore a street length dress of powder blue and white hat with blue finger tip veil.  Her bridal bouquet was white gladioli and white rose buds.  The maid of honor wore a street length dress of powder blue with matching accessories and carried a bouquet of pink gladioli with rose buds.  A reception for the immediate family and a few close friends was held at Bermuda Terrace at the Saint George Hotel, Brooklyn.  After a short wedding trip, Mrs. Gilmroe will return to Brooklyn to reside temporarily with her mother, while Sgt. Gilmore will be station in North Carolina.

 

Partridge - Lyon

Afton Enterprise, January 13, 1927

Married, Sunday afternoon at 2:30 Edward J. Partridge and Mira A. Lyon, both of Bainbridge [Chenango Co., nY], at the home of Mrs. Emily Partridge of this village.  The ceremony was performed by Rev. D.M. Geddes.  Relatives present were:  Mrs. Emily Partridge, Mrs. Alice Chamberlain and Mr. Clarence Partridge.

Boncer - Cook

Cortland Standard, January 3, 1951

Miss Esther Elizabeth Cook of 71 Maple Avenue, Cortland [Cortland Co., NY], and Lawrence Boncer, aviation machinist mate, USN, of Bath, N.Y. [Steuben Co.], were married at 3 p.m. New Year's Day in the bride's home by Rev. C.W. Newman.  The double ring ceremony took place in an archway decorated with wedding bells.  The bride is the daughter of A.R. Cook and the late Mrs. Lorena H. Cook.  Mr. Boncer is the son of Mrs. Bertha Todd of Corning, N.Y.  Mary Gallagher played a 15-minute prelude of traditional wedding music before the ceremony.  Given in marriage by her brother, Howard R. Cook, the bride wore a candlelight satin brocaded taffeta gown, a shoulder-length veil attached to a Juliette satin cap and satin mitts.  She wore a three-strand pearl necklace and pearl earrings and carried a fan spray of red roses centered with a white orchid.  Mrs. Bessie Pryor was her sister's matron of honor and only attendant.  She was attired in a rose taffeta gown with a full skirt, matching mitts and headpiece  She carried a fan spray of pink roses.  Frederick Spicer of Bath was best man for his brother.  A reception for the bride and bridegroom was held at the bride's home immediately following the wedding. Red and white pompons, white candles and white streamers were used to decorate the home.  The bride's table was centered with a four tiered wedding cake topped with a miniature bride and uniformed bridegroom.  Mrs. Donald Underwood sister of the bride and Mrs. Howard Cook, sister-in-law of the bride, served at the reception.  Miss Joyce Allen caught the bride's bouquet.  For traveling, the bride chose an orchid pink tailored suit with white accessories and a white orchid corsage.  Mr. and Mrs. Boncer will reside at the Naval Air Station in Norfolk, Va., after January 15.  The bride was graduated form Cincinnatus Central School in 1942 and attended the Washington School for Secretaries in New York City. She has been employed by the New York Telephone Company in Cortland.  Mr. Boncer was graduated form Haverling High School in Bath and entered the Navy in March, 1943.  At present he is stationed at the Naval Air Station in Norfolk, Va. Before her marriage, the bride was honored at a personal shower given by Mrs. Kenneth Wright.  Howard Cook entertained at a stag party for the bridegroom.  Guests attended the wedding from Cincinnatus, Bath, McGraw, Marathon and Warwick Neck, R.I.

Marriage Notices

Chenango Union, January 14, 1875

PARKER - DUNCAN:  In Otselic, Dec. 31, 1874 by Rev. J.W. Barr, Mr. Stephen W. Parker to Miss Elsie Duncan, both of Otselic [Chenango Co., NY].

BENNETT - SEACORD:  In Truxton, Dec. 30, 1874 by Rev. L. Lawton, Mr. Geo. Bennett of Pitcher [Chenango Co., NY] to Miss Eva Seacord of Truxton [Cortland Co., NY].

LOW - BALCOM:  In Sherburne, Dec. 31, 1874, by Rev. S. Wood, Mr. Luke Low to Miss Lois B. Balcom, all of Sherburne [Chenango Co., NY].

DECKER - GODFREY:  In Norwich, Jan. 6, 1875 by Rev. Loveridge, Mr. James Decker of Guilford [Chenango Co., NY] to Miss Minnie Godfrey of Sherburne [Chenango Co., NY].

STEVENS - TRAVER:  In Harpersville, Dec. 23, 1874 by Rev. A. Martin, Mr. Josiah Stevens to Miss Mary A. Traver of Afton [Chenango Co.., NY].

ANGELL - ARNOLD:  In South New Berlin, by Rev. A. Lindsay, Mr. Henry D. Angell to Miss Nettie Arnold, both of South New Berlin [Chenango Co., NY].

Obituaries (August 13)

Adelia Haxton Marquis

Utica Saturday Globe, July 1915

 

Adelia Haxton Marquis

1836 - 1915

 

Norwich [Chenango Co., NY]:  Adelia Haxton, widow of James B. Marquis, passed away recently at her home in East Park aged 79.  Mrs. Marquis had been enjoying her usual excellent health and out upon the street the day prior to her death.  Soon after entering her apartments she suffered a shock and before a physician could respond to the summons sank into unconsciousness from which she never recovered.  The deceased was a native of Sherburne [Chenango Co., NY] and resided there until her marriage to James B. Marquis in 1856, when they came to Norwich to make their home.  Mrs. Marquis was widely known and greatly [loved].  The home which she had for over half a century was the mecca for the Woman's Home Missionary Society of the Methodist Church, she being a charter member.  Throughout her long residence she had been intimately associated with different departments of the work in the Broad Street church, of which she was one of the most steadfast supporters.  Of 19 children there are five surviving sons and daughters:  Walter H. Marquis, of Auburn; Mrs. Mary G. Wandell, of Utah; Miss Fannie O. Marquis and Miss Katherine S. Marquis, of New York city, and James B. Marquis, of this city.  Funeral services were held Saturday morning from her late residence, Rev. Wilson Treible, a former pastor, officiating.  Burial was made in Mount Hope Cemetery [Norwich, NY].

 

Martha Lanckton Johnson

Cortland Democrat, October 6, 1922

Mrs. Martha Lanckton Johnson was born June 11, 1841, and died Sept. 29, 1922.  She was married to Sidney Johnson, at Otselic, March 12, 1868.  Her whole life was spent in this vicinity.  She was a member of the Baptist church.  She was the oldest of a family of eight, and leaves six sisters, Mrs. Helen Geer and Mrs. Alice Ellis of Syracuse, Mrs. Flora Brown of Sayre, Mrs. Josephine Tallett of Otselic, Mrs. Charles Bellington of Earlville, and Mrs. Ella Bartlett of Oxford, besides her husband. The funeral was held Tuesday at 2 o'clock, Rev. Paul Swartout officiating.

 

Jessie Park Houseman

Cortland Democrat, December 7, 1923

Mrs. Jessie Park Houseman passed away at noon on Thursday, Nov. 29, at the Cortland hospital, where she has been a patient some months.  All that loving hands, skilled physicians, and trained nurses could do was done for her to  no avail.  She bore her long illness with remarkable fortitude, always appearing cheerful, never complaining and often planning how she was to furnish the home when she and her husband began housekeeping, but it was not the will of Him who knows best, and she was taken from this earth to a place where pain and trouble are unknown.  She was a member of the M.E. church at Virgil and of the Virgil Grange.  She was a graduate of the 1923 class of the Cortland Central high school and was married to Forrest Houseman on June 29, 1923.  She is survived by her husband, her parents, Mr. and Mrs. Leslie Park, and three brothers, Ralph, Kenneth and Leigh, all of whom have the sympathy of all in their time of trouble.  The funeral was held from the home of her parents, Saturday at 1 o'clock, and the house was filled with relatives and friends.  The flowers were many and beautiful.  Mrs. Mary Cummings, Miss Flora Houseman, and George Ticknor, accompanied by Miss Doris Seamans, sang two selections, "Face to Face," and "Safe in the Arms of Jesus."  Rev. Benjamin Rowe of Cortland spoke comfortingly to the bereaved ones.  Burial was made at South Otselic [Chenango Co., NY], her mother's former home.  The bearers were her husband and three brothers.

 

Helen Brush

Afton Enterprise, February 3, 1944

Mrs. Helen Brush, 74 years old of Maple Street died Friday morning, January 28th in Binghamton City Hospital after a long illness.  She is survived by her husband, Frank Brush, a son George A. Brush of Rochelle Park, N.J. and a daughter, Mrs. Sidney Stockholm, of Albany and four grandsons.  Her funeral was held Monday at two o'clock in Kark's Funeral Home, Rev. Charles Sabin officiating.  Burial was in Harpursville Cemetery [Broome Co., NY].

 

Elizabeth (Wackford) Beck

Afton Enterprise, February 3, 1944

Mrs. Elizabeth Peck, aged 86, passed away January 27th, 1944 at the home of her daughter Mrs. Harry Blakeslee in Afton [Chenango Co., NY].  Mrs. Beck was born in Kent, England, November 13, 1857, the daughter of the late Thomas and Jane Gilbert Wackford.  In 1874 she was united in marriage to Wellington N. Bowers.  To them were born three children, Clarence N., Viola and Merritt G.  For many years a resident of Oxford, she later moved to Johnson City.  In 1918 she was united in marriage to Nelson Beck.  About 10 years ago she came to live with her daughter, Mrs. Harry Blakeslee in Afton and was a member of the Afton Baptist Church.  She is survived by one daughter, Mrs. Harry Blakeslee, four granddaughters, Miss Marian Bowers, Mrs. Arthur Brewster, Mrs. Robert Graves and Mrs. Hazel Pearsall; four grandsons, Clyde Bowers, Stanky Blakeslee, Harold Blakeslee and Harry M. Blakeslee; six great grand children and one great great grand child.  The funeral was held at the Tabor funeral Home in Afton with interment in Floral Park Cemetery, Binghamton [Broome Co., NY]

Alfred A. VanHorne

1832 - 1896

Alfred A. VanHorne died at his home in this village [Bainbridge, Chenango Co., NY] early Tuesday morning Aug. 4th, after a lingering illness.  Mr. VanHorne was born in Lexington Greene Co., N.Y., Sept. 27, 1832.  His parents David and Lucy J. VanHorne moved to Bennettsville in 1838.  He was the third of five children.  He lived in Bennettsville until he entered the mercantile business in Masonville in 1854 and was married the same year, October 30, to Miss Mary J. Scofield of Masonville.  As a merchant in Masonville, he was very popular doing a thriving business, and held the office of supervisor during the war, Mr. VanHorne came to Bainbridge in 1869 and entered business.  He was elected Justice of the Peace on the Democratic ticket holding the office successively till the time of his death comprising a term of twenty years.  This illustrates the remarkable confidence bestowed upon Mr. VanHorne as he was chosen from a strong Republican town.  Mr. VanHorne's long weary sickness, since October last, when he was compelled to give up business entirely, was the result of a fall he received upon an icy sidewalk four years ago, this brought upon him rheumatism and other complications which culminated in his death  In December of 1895 while stopping in Norwich, he received the communion from Rev. W.H. Soudder and united with the Congregational church of that place. This consecration was a source of comfort to him while his life was ebbing away and enabled him to enter the dark shadows with calmness and serenity fully conscious that

"The souls of those that die

Find the pure joys of earth lifted higher."

Besides his wife, two children survive him, Mrs. Lucy A. Chapman and Perry, a son, one of the reportorial staff of the Daily News-Democrat of Canton, Ohio. The funeral will take place at the house Thursday afternoon at 3 o'clock, the Rev. John E. Vasser, pastor of the Baptist Church, officiating.  The interment will be in the Episcopal cemetery [St. Peter's Cemetery, Bainbridge, NY].

Death Notices

DeRuyter Gleaner, April 14, 1892

BABCOCK:  In Newport, N.Y. [Herkimer Co.], March 29, 1892, Harry Babcock formerly of DeRuyter [Madison Co., NY] in the 75th year of his age.

MITCHELL:  In Lyndonville, N.Y. [Orleans Co.], March 24, 1892, Elizabeth Mitchell, formerly of DeRuyter [Madison Co., NY] in the 80th year of her age.

STURGES:  In Pharsalia [Chenango Co., NY], March 10, 1892, Addie M. [Sturges], only child of Mr. and Mrs. David Sturges, aged 5 months and 16 days.

A bud the gardener gave us,

A pure and lovely child.

He gave it to our keeping,

But just as it was opening

To the glory of the day,

Down came the heavenly gardener

And took our bud away

 

The little crib is empty now,

The little clothes laid by,

A mother's darling, a father's joy,

In death's cold arms doth lie.

the little pilgrim, to thy home,

On yonder blissful shore;

We miss thee here, but soon we'll come

Where thou hast gone before.

 

Obituaries (August 12)

Calphurnia (Garrett) Dain

Utica Saturday Globe, July 1915

 

 

Calphurnia (Garrett) Dain

1837 - 1918

 

Norwich [Chenango Co., NY]:  Mrs. Calphurnia Dain, widow of Charles W. Dain, passed away July 22 at her home on Guernsey street, aged 81.  She was the daughter of Ulricus and Lucinda Murdock Garrett, in their day well known residents of Plymouth, and was born September 13, 1837.  About the year 1854 deceased married Rev. Lester Sackett, a Methodist minister, who served as pastor of several charges in this vicinity and was with the church in Kings Settlement at the time of his death in 1860.  Eleven years later, in 1871, Mrs. Sackett married Elijah Buell, of Kings Settlement.  They later took up their residence in Norwich, living on North Broad street at the time of Mr. Buell's death, in 1897.  December 18, 1902, his widow married her third husband, Charles W. Dain, who died in 1913.  Until her health became enfeebled Mrs. Dain was a regular attendant of the Broad Street M.E. Chruch, of which she had been a member for many years. She was actively interested in the work of the church and at one time was superintendent of the primary department in the Sunday school.  She was a member of the Bible class conducted for so many years by the late Dr. S.M. Hand.  The nearest surviving relatives are several nieces and nephews, including Miss Lulu Sackett, who has cared for her constantly during the past year and a half; Mr. Frank W. Shaw, of East Pharsalia, who has assisted; Mrs. Minnie Garrett and Mary and George Garrett, of Norwich; Mrs. George Tiffany, of Kings Settlement, and James Garrett, of Binghamton.  Funeral services were held from her late residence Monday afternoon, Rev. Edwin B. Olmstead officiating.  Burial was made in the family plot at Plymouth [Chenango Co., NY].

 

John Crumb

Utica Saturday Globe, July 1915

John Crumb, of Smyrna [Chenango Co. NY], died at the Norwich Hospital Sunday night as the result of injuries received at Sherburne Four Corners Saturday afternoon.  Mr. Crumb, who was 24 years of age and unmarried, had been at work on the new milk station new being constructed at the Corners.  He decided to go to his home and caught the Ontario & Western freight train known as No. 29, while in motion, but in so doing came in violent contact with the mail crane. This threw him to the ground beside the track and his right foot came in contact with the wheels, severing two toes.  The impact of the crane and the fall to the ground broke the ribs on both sides of the spine.  Dr. Gould, of Sherburne was summoned, who brought him to the hospital here, where every effort was made to save his life, but in vain.  Mr. Crumb's only brother, Daniel, who lives in Utica, happened to be on the same train which brought the injured man to Norwich.  He remained at his brother's bedside until the end.  Funeral services were held in Smyrna Wednesday and burial made in the Sherburne West Hill Cemetery [Chenango Co., NY].

 

Cora Teller

Norwich Sun, January 8, 1925

Otselic [Chenango Co. NY]:  Miss Cora Teller, aged 56 years, died at her home Thursday morning, January 1.  She had been in poor health for some time and was tenderly cared for by her sisters. She leaves three sisters, Miss Lina Teller and Mrs. Alvin Maine, Mrs. Dan Carncross of Smyrna and one brother, Willis D. Teller, of New jersey. The funeral was held at the home Saturday at 1 p.m., the Rev. A.H. Youell officiating.  Undertaker Newcomb had charge of the funeral.  Burial was made in the South Otselic Cemetery.

 

Willard C. Hayes

Norwich Sun, March 11, 1925

Willard C. Hayes was born in Manlius January 3, 1854 and died at his home in this village [South Otselic, Chenango Co., NY] on March 8, 1925.  When he was ten years of age he went to live with Mrs. Abbie Farnham, near Cazenovia and remained with her until he was 20 years of age.  Later he came to Mariposa to work in the Creamery of Curtis Kenyon, and remained with him for two years.  In 1882 he was married to Nellie Newton.  Their only child, Newton, died in 1908.  This great sorrow undermined the health of both parents, and three years later they sold their farm  on the Ridge and moved to this village where they bought the home where he spent his last days.  His funeral was largely attended for the M.E. Chruch where for many years he had acted as usher.  Mr. Hayes had worked continuously for over 25 years for the B.F. Gladding company.

 

W.M. Benedict

Afton Enterprise, April 7, 1904

On Wednesday last occurred the death of W.M. Benedict at the home of h is daughter, Mrs. Leroy Shaw.  For nearly 81 years Mr. Benedict has been a resident of this place and has always had the high esteem of all who knew him.  At an early age he united with the First Congregational church of Coventry of which he has since been a faithful ember.  For over 20 years he was superintendent of the Sunday School, and held the office of deacon of the church for a longer term of years.  For several years past he has been in failing health and endured much suffering.  he is survived by his wife, and two daughters, Mrs. Leroy Shaw and Mrs. E. B. Mattision both of this place.  Funeral services were held Saturday p.m., Rev. A. McIntyre officiating.

Obituaries (August 11)

William H. Philley

Utica Saturday Globe, July 1915

 

William H. Philley

 

Norwich [Chenango Co., NY]:  William H. Philley died at his home on Division street Sunday evening after a brief illness, which had not been so severe as to confine him to the house until the afternoon preceding his death.  Mr. Philley was the son of Theron M. and Cornelia Carr Philley and was born in McDonough [Chenango Co., NY] 57 years ago.  He moved with his family to Norwich in 1896 and engaged in the milk business, retiring from which he entered the employ of the W.L. Scott Lumber company.  He stood high in the ranks of Odd Fellowship as a member of Canasawacta Lodge and was a member of the Methodist church of McDonough and a worthy, upright citizen. Besides his wife and aged mother he is survived by one son, Fred T. Philley; one brother, Fred M. Philley, of Windsor, and a sister, Mrs. W.L. Tafft, of Killawog.  Funeral services were held from his late home Wednesday afternoon at 2:30, Rev. Alexander Fraser, of the Calvary Church, officiating.  Members of Canasawacta Lodge and the employees of the W.L. Scott lumber company attended in a body and the commitment services in Mount Hope Cemetery were conducted by the Odd Fellows. The floral tributes were profuse and beautiful.

Bassil W. Smith

Afton Enterprise, January 13, 1927

Bassil W. Smith died at is home in Nineveh [Broome Co., NY] Sunday evening, aged 32 years.  He is survived by his wife, two sons, Paul and Robert, his father and mother, Mr. and Mrs. George R. Smith, three brothers, Ernest R., of Burlington, N.Y.; Harry A., and Clifford A., of Carbondale, Pa; three sisters, Mrs. C.E. Walton, of Binghamton, Rona B. and Hilda C. at home.  A private funeral was held from the home of his father, Geroge R. Smith, Wednesday at 2:00 p.m. Burial at Nineveh.

Sarah Skelly

Afton Enterprise, February 3, 1927

Mrs. Sarah Skelly, who has been a resident of Afton [Chenango Co., NY] for the past 60 years, died at the home of her daughter, Mrs. Glenn Morgan, on South Main Street, Saturday, January 29th.  The funeral, which was held at the home Tuesday afternoon, was largely attended, showing the  high esteem in which she was held by her many friends and neighbors.  Several members of the W.R.C. of which she was a charter member, attended in a body.  Rev. Wm. Lathrop, pastor of the Afton M.E. church of which she was a member, officiated. Burial was in the family plot in Glenwood cemetery [Afton, NY].

Elias Pashley

Afton Enterprise, March 3, 1927

The funeral of Elias Pashley was held at St. Luke's Church, Harpursville [Broome Co., NY], Tuesday at 1:30, Rev. Davis of St. Luke's officiated.  Mr. Pashley passed away at the City Hospital at Binghamton Sunday afternoon after a long illness.  He is survived by his wife, two sons, William and Byron, and four daughters, Caroline, Alice, Margaret and Clara, also by several brothers.  Much sympathy goes out to the family from people of this community.  Mr. Pashley had been trustee of District  no 12 for nearly four years, always performing the duties of his office faithfully and well.

Clarence Gordon & Ethel Barnard

Afton Enterprise, February 3, 1944

Two young people died and two others were seriously injured Sunday night when the automobile in which they were riding, crashed into the side of a fast north bound freight train on the D.L.&W. railroad at Greene.  All the young people were residents of Afton [Chenango Co., NY] and had been visiting in Greene.

Fatally injured was Clarence Gordon of High Street, Afton, about 24, father of three small children, one born last week at Afton Hospital.  Miss Ethel Barnard, 16, daughter of Floyd Barnard of Main Street Afton, died Wednesday in the Binghamton City Hospital from injuries received in the accident.  A third victim, Daniel Capel, 20 of Afton, is in a critical condition at the same hospital.  Miss Barnard was one of three children.  Her father, a widower, is employed at the Afton Inn.  Her injuries included skull fractures, breast bone, and both arms.  Daniel Capel, 20 of Afton, suffered skull fractures, and multiple lacerations of the face and forehead.  Less seriously hurt was Mrs. Leta Bryden, 17, of Main Street, Afton, daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Nelson Jones, who received head and mouth lacerations and is now at the same hospital. 

The automobile crashed into the freight train at the crossing, several cars back from the engine.  It is thought the driver of the car never saw the freight train and was possibly blinded by the light from the passenger train on the siding.  A watchman was on duty but was on the upper side of the crossing.  Funeral services were held Tuesday afternoon at Tabor's funeral home for Clarence Gordon, the first victim of the terrible accident.

Ethel Barnard

Binghamton Press, February 3, 1944

Miss Ethel Barnard, 16, of Afton [Chenango Co., NY], who was critically injured Sunday night when the automobile in which she was riding crashed into a freight train on the D.L. & W. Railroad crossing at Greene, died in City Hospital at 12:20 o'clock this morning.  Body of the victim, daughter of Floyd Barnard of Afton, was removed to the Taber Funeral home in that community.  Other survivors include two brothers, Glen and Paul, both of Afton.  Clarence Gordon, 24, father of three children, also a resident of Afton, was killed in the accident.  He was the driver of the car.  Also critically injured was Daniel Capel, 20, of Afton, who is in City Hospital.  A fourth passenger in the death car, Mrs. Leta Bryden, 17, of Afton, is in fair condition at City Hospital.

Marriages (August 10)

Marriage Notices

Chenango Union, February 28, 1866

In this village [Norwich, Chenango Co., NY], Feb. 13, by Rev. S. Scoville, Mr. Uri Lee, of Smyrna [Chenango Co., NY] to Miss Jennie Wiswell, of Norwich.

Feb. 15, by the same, Mr. March Etheridge, of Norwich [Chenango Co., NY] to Miss Nancy M. Pell, of Brookfield, N.Y. [Madison Co.].

In Mt. Upton [Chenango Co., NY] Feb. 14, by Rev. W.W. Andrews, Mr. John F. Hyer, of Dartford, Wis., to Miss Marion M. Batterson, of Mt. Upton.

In Afton [Chenango Co., NY], Feb. 13, by Edgar Garratt, Esq., Mr. Frederick Allen of Berlin, Renssalaer Co., to Miss Elizabeth Curtis, of Afton.

In Coventry [Chenango Co., NY], Feb. 14, by Re.v E.T. Jacobs, Mr. Lewis N. Shaw of Coventry, to Miss Margaret R. Newton, of Bainbridge [Chenango Co., NY].

At the M.E. Parsonage in Afton, Jan. 27, by Rev. B.H. Brown, Mr. Amasa E. Waters, to Miss Betsey Terry, all of Oxford [Chenango Co., NY].

By the same, at E.E. Wildeys Hotel, Feb. 5, Mr. Harvey Stever to Miss Elizabeth Scott, all of Bainbridge [Chenango Co., NY]

In Sherburne, Feb. 14, by Rev. J.W. Austin, Mr. Oliver Titus, of Phelps, N.Y., to Miss Frank Upham, of Sherburne [Chenango Co., NY].

In Smithville, Feb. 21, by Rev. F. B. Peck, Mr. Levi Miner, of Preston [Chenango Co., NY], to Miss Kate Lewis, of Smithville [Chenango Co., NY].

In Oxford, Feb. 15, by R.T. Davidson, Esq., Mr. Albert Wells, of Oxford [Chenango Co., NY] to Miss Maggie Graves, of Coventry [Chenango Co., NY].

In Greene, Feb. 20, by Rev. L.B. Hyde, Mr. George B. Lowell to Miss Susan B. English, all of Greene [Chenango Co., NY].

In Smithville, Feb. 21, by the same, Mr. Daniel Hough, of Pitcher [Chenango Co., NY] to Miss Emma Cartwright, of Smithville [Chenango Co., NY]

In Sherburne, Feb. 13, by Rev. A.M. Bennett, Mr. George Hopson, to Miss Julia A. Shaw all of Sherburne [Chenango Co., NY].

In New Berlin, Feb. 21 by Rev. E.D. Thurston, Mr. Stephen M. Cummings, of McDonough [Chenango Co., NY]to Mrs. Emily J. Daring, of Preston [Chenango Co., NY].

In Bridgewater, Feb. 22, by J.W. Chase, Esq., Mr. Wellington Bingham of Sherburne [Chenango Co. NY], to Miss Alvira R. House, of Columbus [Chenango Co., NY].

In South New Berlin, Feb. 15, by Rev. C. Foster, Mr. H.G. Littlefair, of Butternuts [Otsego Co., NY] to Miss H .L. Bowers, of Norwich [Chenango Co., NY].

In Otselic, Feb. 9, by Rev. J. Storrs, Mr. Daniel Rider, of DeRuyter, to Miss Louisa Calkins, of Otselic [Chenango Co., NY].

At the residence of the bride's father, Feb. 21, by Rev. N. Ripley, Mr. H. Walker Curtis, to Miss Hattie L. Day, both of Mt. Upton [Chenango Co., NY].

At the residence of the bride's father, in Davenport, Del. Co., Feb. 21, by Rev. Mr. Schemerhorn, Mr. Frank E. Hyer, of Mt. Upton [Chenango Co., NY], to Miss Jennie Goodrich, of the former place.

Obituaries (August 10)

William Graham

Utica Saturday Globe, July 1915

 

William Graham

1849 - 1915

Norwich [Chenango Co., NY]: William Graham who recently resigned as railroad detective for the New York, Ontario & Western Railway on account of ill health, died at his home on Silver street last Friday, aged 66.  He was the son of John and Alma Graham, of Meredith, and was born June 25, 1849.  Mr. Graham came to Norwich in 1870 and in 1875 married Alice Bowen, of this place.  He was connected with various hotels and for a number of years was one of the town constables and had also served as deputy sheriff.  About 18 years ago he entered the employ of the Ontario & Western Railway in the supply department and about 15 years ago was made the company detective, with headquarters at Norwich.  He had been a member of Norwich Lodge of Masons since 1871.  He is survived by his wife; one brother, Milo Graham, of Meredith, and two sisters, Mrs. M.E. Jackson, of Oneonta, and Miss Mary Graham, of Meredith, N.Y.  Funeral services were held from his late home on Silver street Monday afternoon at 2 o'clock, Rev. Paul Riley Allen officiating, the burial being with Masonic rites in Mount Hope Cemetery [Norwich, NY].

 

Francelia (Miner) McKee

Norwich Sun, April 2, 1925

Mrs. Francelia McKee died at her home Thursday, March 26, 1925, after an illness of seven months with dropsy.  Everything was done for her comfort and restoration to health that could be.  She was tenderly cared for by her children.  Deceased was the youngest child of Frederick and Maria Miner, born Aug. 22, 1857 at North Pitcher [Chenango Co., NY], where she spent her childhood days, attending school and Sunday school there.  She was married July 7, 1875 to John McKee, whose death occurred last January, coming to this place where they have always made their home.  To their union five children were born, the eldest, a son, died in infancy.  She leaves four daughters, Mrs. Gertrude Jackson, Mrs. Grace Huttleston, Mrs. Anna Bush and Mrs. Mary Auburn who deeply mourn her loss, also five grandchildren and two great grandchildren, and two sisters, Mrs. Phoebe J. Emmons, of Connecticut and Mrs. Jason Taylor, of North Pitcher, and one brother, James Miner, of DeRuyter, being the only surviving members of a family of twelve children.  Private funeral services were held at her late home Sunday afternoon at 3 o'clock, the Rev. E.B. Granger officiating.  Undertaker Woodley had charge.  Interment was made beside her husband in Valley View cemetery [South Otselic, Chenango Co., NY].

 

Melvin Locke

Cortland Democrat, September 26, 1925

Melvin Locke died at the home of his daughter, Mrs. George Kingsbury last Thursday after a short illness.  He leaves his wife and several grandchildren.  The funeral was held Saturday, Rev. E.B. Granger officiated.  Burial was in Valley View Cemetery [South Otselic, Chenango Co., NY].

 

Loren L. Warner

Cortland Democrat, January 26, 1917

Pitcher [Chenango Co., NY]:  Loren L. Warner died at his home in Pitcher, Friday, Jan. 19.  Funeral Monday from his late home, burial at South Otselic, his pastor, Rev. Guy Jones conducted the services.  Mr. Warner was 72 years old.  He was a member of the 20th N.Y. Cavalry. About two years after the war he married Miss Emily Clark.  He had two children, Walter, who died in New York about a year ago, and Mrs. Lena Shields of Toronto, Canada.  In 1905 he married Mrs. Sarah Sheldon and they have resided in Pitcher since that time.  He is survived by two sisters, Mrs. Samantha Gardner of South Otselic and Mrs. Mary Potter of Cincinnatus; two brothers, Cyrus and Elton Warner, both of South Otselic.  Mr. Warner will be greatly missed in this community.  Quiet and unassuming, yet always ready to do a kindness to his neighbors and friends.  He showed his Christian character in his daily life, which is the best way to follow in the steps of our Lord Jesus.  His wife and daughter have the sympathy of the whole community.

 

Archie Robinson

Afton Enterprise, August 13, 1942

Archie Robinson, father of Mrs. LeRoy Shaw died at the home of his daughter, Mrs. Charles Bolster in Cooperstown.   The funeral was held Tuesday in the Colwell Funeral parlors, Bainbridge.  Burial in Coventryville [Chenango Co., NY].

 

Archer Robinson of Oneonta [Otsego Co., NY], for many years a resident of this place [Afton, Chenango Co., NY], passed away at the home of his daughter, Mrs. Charles Bolster, Sunday morning.  Funeral services were held at the Colwell Funeral Parlors Tuesday afternoon.  Burial in the Coventryville cemetery.  Friends and relatives from this place attended the services.

 

Anna Benedict Shaw

Oxford Review Times, April 20, 1917

After a long and wasting illness, Mrs. Anna Benedict Shaw passed away Monday, April 16, She leaves to deeply mourn her departure a husband, Leroy Shaw, and two sons, Harry, of this place [Coventryville] and Charles of Binghamton, also three grandchildren and one sister, Mrs. E.B. Matteson.  Mrs. Shaw was a loyal friend and kind neighbor and will be greatly missed by all.

 

Samuel Shaw

The Oxford Times, February 14, 1888

Samuel Shaw, aged 20 and living with his widowed mother in Coventryville [Chenango Co., NY], died yesterday morning from an overdose of laudanum.  He attended church twice on Sunday and on retiring to his room bid his mother good night, saying he guessed he would take a dose of laudanum and go where some one else had gone.  Nothing was thought of this remark until yesterday morning, when not appearing, Mrs. Shaw went to his room and found him under the effect of the poison.  Dr. Guy was immediately summoned, but too late to save the young man's life.  He purchased the laudanum one day last week, stating that his mother had a toothache and the drug was for her.  An inquest was held yesterday.

 

Chenango Semi-Weekly Telegraph, February 22, 1888

Samuel Shaw, a young man about twenty years of age and the only son of the late Martin Shaw, was found dead in his bed at Coventryville last Monday morning.  The story has gone the rounds of the papers that he committed suicide, which is a mistake.  Coroner Hayes of Afton, was notified, and an inquest was  held and the verdict rendered by the jury was in accordance with the facts elicited, that the deceased came to his death by an overdose of laudanum taken as medicine. The funeral occurred on Wednesday with a large attendance, though the weather was most unpropitious.

 

 

 

 

Mayor McMullen of Norwich & Mayor Kirby of Sidney - 1915

Both Are Making Good

Mayor McMullen, of Norwich, and Mayor Kirby, of Sidney,

Run Municipal Affairs as Well as They Do Their Train on the

Ontario & Western Between Norwich and Middletown

Utica Saturday Globe, June 1915

 

Fred D. McMullen (left) ----William H. Kirby (right)

 

One train in particular on the Ontario & Western Railway has been running fast into popular favor because of the make-up of its engine and train crews.  When Mayor W.H. Kirby, of Sidney [Delaware Co., NY], as conductor, calls "all aboard" and signals to start, Mayor Fred D. McMullen of Norwich [Chenango Co., NY] as engineer, pulls the throttle, the locomotive responds "choo!" choo!" in lieu of saying "as you please," promptly gets under motion and is soon pulling the train easily at a 50-mile clip. The train plies between Norwich and Middletown.

 

Mayor McMullen, who was elected last fall to succeed Silas W. Berry as the head of the new city government of Norwich, has surprised all, himself as much as anybody, by his ability to run municipal affairs as easily and capably as he runs a railroad train.  His constituents have had no cause to blush for him since he took over the reins on the first day of January.  He has made good so far and his friends are confident he will continue to do so to the end of his run.

 

Mayor Kirby of Sidney, was elected on a citizens' ticket and is just as good as citizen, as he is a train conductor. Under his direction the public business of Sidney is being conducted in a careful and economical manner and the taxpayers have no cause for complaint.

 

The two mayors run the affairs of their respective municipalities as smoothly and efficiently as they do their railroad train and the bond of friendship between them is drawn closer as they discuss the problem they meet in the service of the people as mayors as well as railroad men.

Obituaries (August 9)

Luna Davis Wands

Utica Saturday Globe, July 1915

 

Luna Davis Wands

1860 - 1915

Norwich [Chenango Co., NY]:  After a brief illness Luna Davis Wands, wife of Theodore E. Wands, died at the family home on Francis avenue Sunday morning, aged 55.  Her death was a great shock to her many friends in Norwich and Oxford, her former home, because her condition, while critical, was believed to be improving.  Deceased was the daughter of DeWitt and Mary A. Davis, and was born at  Shokan, Ulster county, March 18, 1860, moving to Oxford in 1894.  For eight years she had been a resident of Norwich and had been very active in the work of the first Congregational Church and the Norwich Chapter, Order of the Eastern Star.  Mrs. Wands is survived by her husband and four children, Mrs. C.E.C. Longyear, of Connelly, N.Y.; T. DeWitt, Elizabeth and Amy Wands, of this city; a surviving sister, Mrs. G. Van Benschoten, resides in Livermore, Maine. At the funeral services Wednesday morning at her late residence the floral tributes were very beautiful and expressive of the high place held by the deceased in the estimation and esteem of her friends an acquaintances.  Rev. Paul Riley Allen officiated at the services at 10:30, the burial in Mount Hope Cemetery [Norwich, NY] being in charge of the sisters of the Eastern Star.

 

John Wrench

Afton Enterprise, December 25, 1885

John Wrench of this town [Afton, Chenango Co., NY], died at his home last Saturday.  Mr. Wrench was a member of Vanderburg Post No. 12, G.A.R. of Afton, and that organization attended his funeral which was held Tuesday.  His remains were interred in Glenwood cemetery [Afton, NY].

 

Sarah Amelia Minor Wrench

Afton Enterprise, April 3, 1930

Mrs. Marquis D. Wrench called to the better life:  On Friday evening last in sudden manner occurred the lamented decease of Mrs. Sarah Amelia Wrench, wife of Marquis D. Wrench of Coventry [Chenango Co. NY].  Mrs. Wrench had been in failing health for some time, but for the past few weeks had appeared brighter.  Her final illness lasted but for an hour and in the presence of her loved ones she slipped away to the land of youth and health.  Mrs. Wrench was born in Colesville,  N.Y. [Broome Co.], June 16th, 1863 the daughter of Mr. and Mrs. [Warren] Minor.  When but three weeks of age she was brought to the residence near Coventryville, where for the greater part of her life she lived.  On June 7th, 1881 she was united in marriage to Marquis D. Wrench.  Five children blessed this union:  Jesse Wrench, now Professor of European History in the University of Missouri; Mrs. Gladys Prokopf of new York City; Miss Alice Wrench, a teacher in the Afton High School; Carlton Wrench, who lives near Coventryville, and Marquis Wrench, Jr., who manages the Wrench farm.  Mrs. Wrench united with the No. Afton Methodist church under the pastorate of Nelson B. Ripley.  She was deeply interested in the work of the church.  A lover of good books and articles of travel.  Her genial presence will be greatly missed by a host of fellow church members, neighbors and friends.  Funeral services were conducted by her pastor from the family residence on Tuesday afternoon, April 1st at 1:30 o'clock, where a large company assembled, and interment was made in beautiful Glenwood [Afton, NY].

 

Urbin Teller

Cortland Democrat, April 6, 1917

Urbin Teller died last Tuesday evening at his home in this village.  Mr. Teller had nearly reached the age of 82 years and up to the time of his illness had been engaged in poultry work and formerly bought rags and junk for many years.  He was a man of integrity and upright character and a member of the Baptist church.  He is survived by four daughters, and one son, Misses Cora and Lina Teller of South Otselic, Mrs. Alvah Maine of Burlington Flats, Mrs. Daniel Carncross of Smyrna and Willis Teller of Syracuse.  Interment was made in Valley View cemetery [South Otselic, Chenango Co., NY].  W.E. Newcomb undertaker.  Rev. E.J. Yerdon officiating.

 

Fred Phelps

DeRuyter Gleaner, September 30, 1920

Fred Phelps sustained a shock last Saturday morning Sept. 25, 1920 and dropped dead.  He was apparently in his usual health, partaking of his breakfast and had stepped into the kitchen when he fell and expired at once.  He was 59 years of age.  Deceased is survived by his wife, one son and four daughters, Allen Phelps of Cazenovia, Mrs. Fred Newton and Mrs. Bemis Barrett of South Otselic, and Misses Mabel and Marion Phelps of Cortland.  Two sisters, Mrs. Edward Leet of Killawog and Mrs. Charles Pitcher of Lisle also survive.  The funeral services were held Monday afternoon at 2 o'clock at the home of Fred Newton, Rev. Paul Swarthout officiating.  Funeral Director Woodley conducted the burial in Valley View Cemetery [South Otselic, Chenango Co., NY]. 

 

Death Notices

 

Chenango Union, May 28, 1885

Bainbridge [Chenango Co., NY]: WOODS:  Albert Woods, of Minnesota, formerly of Afton, was run over by the cars recently, cutting off one leg, from the effects of which he died.

 

Oxford Times, May 12, 1875

WOOD, in Coventry [Chenango Co., NY], on 4th, Mrs. Wood, wife of Henry Wood aged 28 years.

 

Oxford Times, April 26, 1876

WOOD, in Norwich [Chenango Co., NY], on 14th, John Henry, son of Henry Wood, of Coventry, aged 1 year and 9 months.

 

Oxford Times, November 23, 1886

WRENCH:  In Afton [Chenango Co., NY], Alice B. Wrench, aged 28 years.

Obituaries (August 8)

Willie Mason

Utica Saturday Globe, June 1915

 

Willie Mason

1894 - 1915

Norwich [Chenango Co., NY]:  Willie Mason, a young colored man, whose standing as a singer had made him a wide acquaintance among the people of Norwich and vicinity, died at the home of his mother, Mrs. Mazie Mason, in Utica [Oneida Co., NY] last week aged 20.  He had been ill for three months with tuberculosis.  Willie was born in Norwich September 22, 1894, the son of Mr. and Mrs. James Mason.  He had been employed as a bell boy at the Eagle Hotel and in like capacity at the Continental.  He was a member of the imperial Quartet and had sung in motion picture programs and was a prime favorite as a soloist at summer evening band concerts.  His genial smile and sunny disposition made him a host of friends. The body arrived here on Sunday and was taken to the home of his father on State street. The funeral service was held at A.M.E. Zion Church Monday, Rev. George Smith, of Amsterdam, an uncle of the deceased, officiating and his pastor, Rev. A. Fenderson, assisting.  Interment in Mount hope Cemetery [Norwich, NY].

 

John Jacobson

Afton Enterprise, January 7, 1932

John Jacobson, a respected resident of Bainbridge [Chenango Co., NY], died Wednesday, December 30, 1931, in the Wyckoff Hospital, Brooklyn, where he had been operated upon for gall bladder trouble.  Mr. Jacobson was born in Brooklyn, March 11, 1878.  He came with his parents to Bainbridge when five years of age, and with the exception of several months' service in the Spanish-American War Camp, the remainder of his life was spent here.  he was a member of the Susquehanna Lodge of Masons, F.&A.M. no. 167, the Bainbridge Lodge of Odd Fellows, and the Wells Post of Spanish-American War Veterans.  he is survived by two sisters and three brothers:  Mrs. Anna Ireland of Guilford, Mrs. Emma Parsons of Bainbridge, August Jacobson of Brooklyn, Edward Jacobson of Sidney, and Clifford Jacobson of Bainbridge. The funeral was held from Colwell's funeral chapel at 2 o'clock, Tuesday afternoon, January 2, Rev. G.H. Orvis officiating.  The committal service in Greenlawn Cemetery [Bainbridge, NY] was conducted by the Odd Fellows; a delegation from Sidney also was in attendance.

 

Two Deaths on Nearby Crossings

E.C. Burdick & Stewart H. Morgan

Afton Enterprise, January 5, 1939

 

Two people were killed Monday in separate railroad crossing mishaps at Sidney and Unadilla.

 

E.C. Burdick, 60, of Bainbridge [Chenango Co., NY], manager of the Tri-County Handle Company at Sidney, was instantly killed at 4:40, Monday afternoon when his coupe was struck by a D.& H. freight train at Sidney's Willow street crossing. The coupe was carried 150 yards by the westbound freight before Engineer  H.E. Wilbur of Greene brought the locomotive to a stop, investigators said.  The impact hurled the body from the coupe.  It was recovered from beneath the train which consisted of an engine, one box car and a caboose.  Captain Daniel E. Fox, commandant of Troop C, State Police, said Mr. Burdick was founder of the American Separator Company at Bainbridge.  The train, dispatched from Oneonta at 3:45 P.M., approached the unprotected crossing with whistle sounding, investigators said. The engineer reported he did not see the coupe.  The train was in charge of Conductor B.H. McLean of Chenango Bridge. Drs. Elliott Danforth and R.H. Loomis of Sidney acted as coroner's physicians and directed the removal of the body.

 

Less than three hours earlier, Stewart H. Morgan, 23, of Unadilla [Otsego Co., NY]was killed at the Depot Street crossing in Unadilla when a truck in which he was riding was rammed by a west-bound D.& H. freight train. The youth was killed before the eyes of his father who served the crossing as watchman, authorities said.  The lad was a passenger in a truck operated and owned by G.H. Georgia of Wells Bridge who escaped with a lacerated shoulder. The driver was pinned in the cab while the impact hurled the lad 190 feet.

 

Belle Stearns

DeRuyter Gleaner, February 27, 1930

Willow Brook:  The funeral of Mrs. Belle Stearns, wife of Frank Stearns was held at her home Monday.  Mrs. Stearns was born September 14th, 1876 and died February 20, 1930, following an illness of nine days of pneumonia.   She leaves to mourn her passing besides the husband, a son, Leon, daughter, Ruth, two brothers, Floyd Curtis of Cuyler and Frank Curtis of East Homer; a sister, Mrs. Addie Richer of Otselic.  Rev. Whitney spoke comforting words in the funeral conducted by Undertaker Smith.  A large number sowed their respect and sympathy at the services. 

 

Agnes Norine Martin

Norwich Sun, September 13, 1934

South Otselic [Chenango Co., NY]:  Agnes Norine Martin, who passed away at her home here September 7, was born at South Otselic, N.Y. on November 27, 1908, the only daughter of Frank D. and Nora Brown Martin.  She attended South Otselic high school and was employed as a clerk in the local post office for some time.  Later she was employed at the B.F. Gladding factory until ill health would not permit her to work.  Miss Martin was a member of Arrah Wannah Rebekah lodge of this village, an officer of Cincinnatus Chapter, 387 O.E.S., and a member of the Young Women's Missionary Society of the M.E. Church.  Her friendly nature and cheerful disposition endeared her to everyone in the community where she had spent her short life and she will be greatly missed by a wide circle of friends as well as by her family.  She is survived by her parents, a brother, Jesse Martin, a half-brother, Max Miler; three nephews and a niece.  A prayer service was held at the home at 1:30 Tuesday with funeral services at the M.E. church at two o'clock.  Rev. Harold Steer officiating.  Interment was made in Valley View cemetery [South Otselic, NY].  The large floral tribute testified to the love and admiration which was felt for her. 

 

Death Notices

Norwich Sun, October 18, 1928

 

MARSH, N.F.:  Died at his home in Nineveh [Broome Co., NY], Funeral services were held Wednesday afternoon, Oct. 10 and burial was made in the cemetery at Harpursville [Broome Co., NY].

 

OSBORN, MRS. ELIZABETH:  Died at her home in Bainbridge [Chenango Co., NY].  Funeral services were held Friday, Oct. 12.

 

BALDWIN, FLOYD A.:  Died at his home in Oxford [Chenango Co., NY] Tuesday morning, Oct. 16, aged 60 years.  Funeral services were held Friday, Oct. 19 at 2 p.m., Rev. B. A. Gates officiating and burial was made in Riverview cemetery [Oxford, NY].

 

BROWN, MRS. ELLEN:  Died at the home of her daughter, Mrs. Sanford Shapley at South Otselic [Chenango Co., NY] Sunday night, Oct. 14.

 

EVANS, CHARLES HENRY:  Died in home of his son, Bert M. Evans in Guilford [Chenango Co., NY] Sunday, Oct. 14, aged 81 years.  Funeral services were held Tuesday, Oct. 16, at 2 p.m., Rev. Cecil Plum officiating.  Burial was made in the White Store Cemetery [Norwich, NY].

 

 

 

 

Blog Post Listing August 1-7, 2016

Listing of blog postings for the week of August 1-7, 2016.

Marriages

Posted August 1, 2016

Mott D. Brown - Esther Goodsell (1909)

Neal C. Baldwin - Estella Maine (1962)

Caroline Haynes - Brandley Bunnell (1890)

Aurelia Bresee - Daniel Grant (1915)

Mildred Bisbee - Bernett H. Decker (1925)

W.W. Bassett Abandons Family (1897)

Posted August 7, 2016
Bertha J. Camp - Charles R. Bushnell (1915)
Marriage Notices - 1860
     Charles H. Miner - Martha V. Bradley
     Henry F. Whittenhall - Arabella J. Race
     Alonzo S. Cahoon - Mary C. Warton
Marriage Notices - 1861
     Reuben Mead - Anna Per Lee (North Norwich)
     Everett Baldwin - Mrs. John Hubbard (Greene)
     Leroy A. Cornwell - Rosella M. Lyon (Guilford)
     Henry H. Hyer - Hellen J. Potter (Cortland Co., NY)
Marriage Notices - 1887
     W.H. Phillips - Ella D. Foster  (Beaver Meadow)
     David Leonard - Helen Maud Marenus  (Sherburne)
     Wm. A. Rathbone - Florence M. Dolan  (McDonough)
     Fred E. Cox - Mattie L. Warner  (South Otselic)
     Seymour H. Beatman - Ella Watson  (Afton)

 

Obituaries

Posted August 1, 2016

Jennie McMillian (South Otselic, 1946)

Frank E. Jackson (South Otselic, 1931)

Augusta Swailes (South Otselic, 1907)

Abner Sarles (Bainbridge, 1854)

Alvin Searles (Bainbridge, 1906)

Lester B. Searles (Unadilla, 1916)

Arthur Elwyn Searles (Binghamton, Guilford, Bainbridge, 1894)

Posted August 2, 2016
Elizabeth Miner (South Otselic, 1891)
Caroline (Brown) Chapel (South Otselic, 1915)
Lana (Wright) Hubbard (Afton, 1900)
Georgianna (Coy) Searles (Oxford, 1914)
Freelove Sarles (Bainbridge, 1853)

Posted August 3, 2016
Joseph Shampang (South New Berlin, 1913)
Mary Goodnow (South New Berlin, 1913)
Leon Parker (Pharsalia, 1930)
Alfred G. Bush (South New Berlin, 1920)
Georgia Ethelinda Angell (South Otselic, 1930)
Andrew J. Coffee (White Store, 1930)

Posted August 4, 2016
George H. O'Connor (Norwich, 1915)
Eva M. (Perkins) Moffitt (South Otselic, 1945)
W.M. Reynolds (South Otselic, 1933)
John Nystrum (Taylor Valley, 1933)
Death Notices - 1887
     Nancy Winsor (Norwich)
     James French (Norwich)
     William Ross (Preston)
     Betsey Moore Rosa (Oxford)
     Ella Teller (South Otselic)
     Minnie E. Rhoads (Otselic)
     Vone Estella Rock (Mt. Upton)
     Timothy A. Touey (Fort Stanton, NM, Norwich)
     Madison H. Webster (Norwich)
     Mamie Blanche Fosgate (Reily, McDonough)

Posted August 5, 2016
John Dorman (Norwich, 1915)
Burdette Hubbard (Norwich, 1915)
George Nichols, Jr. (Unadilla, 1908)
Laura Hollenbeck (Johnson City, 1918)
Death Notices - 1901
     Mrs. James F. Ross (Norwich)
     Laverne Yale (Guilford)
     Henry Nichols (Belfield, VA, West Bainbridge)
     Nancy Fraser (Oxford)
     Henry Bogart (New Berlin)
     Kara Barnes (Preston)
     John R. Palmer (Utica, Norwich)

Posted August 6, 2016
Radzell Aldrich (Norwich, Plymouth, 1915)
Mildred Johnson (Norwich, 1915)
Howard B. Batchelor (Utica, 1897)
Rev. George Bowler (Minetto, 1931)
Jennette Harris (Sherburne, 1860)
Death Notices - 1860
     Orlo W. Whitby (South Otselic,)
     Julia Beach (Greene)
     Willard P. Stowell (Afton)
     Floyd Moore (McDonough)
     Amanda Elizabeth Norris (McDonough)
     Nelson Edmonds (Afton)
     Phila Cheney (New Berlin)

Posted August 7, 2016
Clara Newton Crouch (Norwich, Plymouth, 1915)
John Fisher (Cortland, South Otselic, 1925)
Mary Arabella (Peck) Cox (South Otselic, 1892)


 

Miscellaneous

Posted August 1, 2016

Early History of Afton Chenango Co., NY - Part 2

Posted August 2, 2016
Captain James Tyrrell, 17th New York Infantry, Civil War

Posted August 4, 2016
Kathleen E. Sweet of Norwich - Graduates from Elocution School, 1915

Posted August 5, 2016
Mr. & Mrs. William Carpenter Main celebrate 60th Wedding Anniversary - 1915

Posted August 6, 2016
George W. Brooks, Civil War Veteran, Honored - 1915
Advertisement for Rockwells Mills, Poem by Erastus Rockwell, 1861



Marriages (August 7)

Bushnell - Camp
Utica Saturday Globe, June 1915

Charles R. & Bertha J. (Camp) Bushnell

Norwich [Chenango Co., NY]:  At the home of the bride's parents, Mr. and Mrs. Jay H. Camp, in South New Berlin on Tuesday afternoon at 3 o'clock, Miss Bertha J. Camp and Charles R. Bushnell were united in marriage by Rev. L.E. Wheeler, pastor of the First Baptist church.  The bride was becomingly attired and attended by Miss Ethel Gage, of South New Berlin, as bridesmaid.  George  Hopkins, of Oneonta, was best man.  Only immediate relatives and friends witnessed the ceremony, after which refreshments were served and Mr. and Mrs. Bushnell left on a brief wedding journey.  Both bride and groom have  a number of friends in Norwich, the bride being a graduate of the teachers' training class of 1910, since which she has been teaching.  Mr. Bushnell is a former employee of the Chenango National Bank, coming here from the Wilbur National Bank in Oneonta.  He is the son of Mr. and Mrs. Bushnell, of Gilbertsville [Otsego Co.,  NY], and is now employed by a large electric light and power company at Messina, to which place he will take his bride to make their home.

Marriage Notices

 

Chenango Telegraph, September 12, 1860

 

MINER - BRADLEY:  At the Chenango House, in this village [Norwich, Chenango Co., NY], by Rev. L. Wright, Charles R. Miner to Miss Martha V. Bradley, both of Guilford [Chenango Co., NY].

 

WHITTENHALL - RACE:  At Zion Church, in Greene on the morning of the 30th ult., by Rev. F. Rogers, Henry F. Whittenhall to Miss Arabela J. Race, all of Greene [Chenango Co., NY].

 

CAHOON - WARTON:  In McDonough, Aug. 18th, by Rev. O. Ellerson, Alonzo S. Cahoon of Norwich [Chenango Co., NY] to Miss Mary C. Warton of McDonough [Chenango Co., NY].

 

 



Chenango Telegraph, October 2, 1861

MEAD - PER LEE:  In Bridgewater, Oneida, Co., N.Y., Sept. 14th, by Rev. L.H. York, Reuben Mead to Miss Anna Per Lee, both of North Norwich [Chenango Co., NY].

 

BALDWIN -HUBBARD:  In Greene [Chenango Co., NY], on the 21st ult., by Rev. Geo. White, Everett Baldwin to Mrs. John Hubbard, of that village.

 

CORNWELL - LYON:  In Guilford, Sept. 23, by Rev. A.S. Southworth, Mr. Leroy A. Cornwell to Miss Roselia M. Lyon, both of Guilford [Chenango Co., NY].

HYER - POTTER:  on the 22d ult., by Rev. O. Ketcham, Mr. Henry H. Hyer, of Taylor [Cortland Co., NY] to Miss Hellen J. Potter, of Cuyler, Cortland Co., N.Y.

 

Chenango Union, October 6, 1887

PHILLIPS - FOSTER:  At Beaver Meadow [Chenango Co., NY], Oct. 2d, by Rev. A.L. Larson, Mr. W.H. Phillips, of Smyrna [Chenango Co., NY], to Miss Ella D. Foster, of Pharsalia [Chenango Co., NY].

LEONARD - MARENUS:  In Sherburne [Chenango Co., NY], Sept. 17th, by Rev. S.S. Cady, Mr. David Leonard, to Miss Helen Maud Marenus, both of Sherburne.

RATHBONE - DOLAN:  In McDonough [Chenango Co., NY], Sept. 28th, by Rev. A.K. Rogers, Mr. Wm. A. Rathbone, of Greene [Chenango Co., NY] to Miss Florence M. Dolan, of McDonough.

COX-WARNER:  In South Otselic [Chenango Co., NY], Sept. 26th, by Rev. A.D. Smith, Mr. Fred E. Cox, to Miss Mattie L. Warner.

BEATMAN - WATSON:  In Afton [Chenango Co., NY], Sept. 25th, by Rev. C.H. Leach, Mr Seymour H. Beatman, to Miss Ella Watson, all of Afton.