Post Listing January 9-15, 2017

Listing of blog postings for the week of January 9-15, 2017

Marriages

Posted January 9, 2017

Raymond A. Karlson - Freda Katherine Herrick (ca 1920)

Dorothy Martin - Howard Rhodes (1921)

Nancy Martin - Russell R. Gray (1921)

Marriage Notices - 1875

     Benjamin Ferris - Katie Hickox

     Alfred Blowers - Livana Mann

     James Pratt - Ettie Miner

     Andrew Taylor - Ida Crosby

     E.S. Heady - Ruth M. Guile

     Mancel C. Lewis - Ellen Brigham

     Elbert Curtis - Alice E. Phelps

     Charles Hotchkiss - Mary E. Crandall

     Henry Adams - Almina Gale

     Eli Boardman - Mrs. H.N. Hayes

Posted January 11, 2017
Grace Margaret Balcom - Ernest Winfield Gennett (1921)
Ida Follett - Lester Benjamin Rider (1921)
Marriages from Christ Episcopal Church Register, Sherburne, NY
     James M. Pearce - Sarah Davison (1846)
     Charles Brown - Esther Ferry (1847)
     Dr. Charles Lee Easton - Clarissa Locke (1848)
     Theodore Marsh Bishop - Helen Margaret Holmes (1848)
     Russel Loomis - Lovinia Lawson (1848)
     Charles Babcock Weaver - Hannah Elsbre (1849)
     John Mason Loomis - Mary Jane Hunt (1849)
     Henry W. Marchisi - Emily Merrill (1850)

Posted January 14, 2017
Mr. & Mrs. Charles H. Post (Norwich, 50th anniversary, 1921)
Ida Lawrence - William D. Osgood (1899)
Carro B. Mungor - Clarence E. Ackerley (1905)
Marriage Notices
     A.M. Akerley - Weltha L. Hickox (1876)
     Erwin Thurston Akerley - Isodene D. Tucker (1870)
     Charles J. Pratt - Alice Briggs (1870)
     Ira Benedict - Clarissa Wakefield (1870)
     Mary L. Akerley - Dewitt Chamberlain (1880)

 



 

Obituaries

Posted January 10, 2017

Oscar I. Gale (McDonough, Norwich, 1917)

Isaiah Gale (McDonough, 1911)

Andrew B. Edwards (Plymouth, 1917)

Howard C. Warner (Norwich, 1917)

Posted January 11, 2017
Ellen Harrigan Ferry (Norwich, 1917)
Daniel Ferry (Norwich, 1917)
Mary Hunt Loomis (Sherburne, Chicago, 1910)
Maude Cairns Scott (Binghamton, Ouleout, Bovina, 1917)

Posted January 12, 2017
Edward Stokes (Rome, Norwich, 1917) photo
Howard C. Warner (Norwich, 1917)
Emma (Green) Myrick Briggs (Gilbertsville, 1903
Charles R.  Myrick (Gilbertsville, 1900)  Murder - suicide

Posted January 13, 2017
George Wheeler (Norwich, 1917)
Eva T. (Bosworth) Wheeler (Norwich, 1916)
Charles Henry Aldrich (Plymouth, 1900)
Harry N. Kopf (Oneonta, 1916)  Pedestrian / car accident
Adelbert Smith (Seward, 1920)
Renselaer W. Akerley (Bainbridge, 1912)

Posted January 14, 2017
Drowning Deaths of Henry Stone and Frank Burton Hart - 1917  Photos

Posted January 15, 2017
Solomon Duncan (Norwich, 1917)
James Preston (Binghamton, Oxford, 1882)
Augusta Church (Afton, 1905)
Charles Medbury (Pittsfield, 1880)
Death Notices
     David Ackerly (Margaretville, 1869)
     John V. Hallenbeck (Greene, 1870)
     Lewis Nash (Norwich, 1870)
     Ruth McNitt (Norwich, 1870)
     Betsey Brown (Otego, 1872)
     Jeremiah King (Sidney Plains, 1872)
     Clara Thomas (Bainbridge, 1872)
     Naoma Terry (Norwich, 1872)
     Hannah Ripley (Greene, 1872)
     Daniel Rafferty (Sherburne, 1872)
     Hiram Parker (Coventry, 1872)


 

Miscellaneous

Posted January 11, 2017

Chenango & Unadilla Valleys 50 years ago (Written in 1872)

Posted January 15, 2017
Chenango County Flood of 1905

Chenango Co. NY Floods of 1905

Terrific Floods of 1905

Chenango County, New York

(Published June 1945)

Sunday night Sept. 3, 1905 is vividly recalled by many residents of Norwich and nearby communities.  This was the date of Chenango County's worst flood in history, and the tragedy of events surrounding it are still fresh in the minds of those who came mighty close to being victims of the disaster.

 

Conductor Henry Breed of this city is one of those whose thrilling adventure of that night will always remain with him.  An extra O.&W. coal train left Norwich that eventful Sunday night at 8:15 northbound.  It was a double header.  The train had reached a point about a mile and a half north of Norwich, near Woods Corners when it was wrecked and engineer Henry Norton lost his life in the raging waters.  Al Borden was the engineer on the head engine and Frank Ferris was the fireman.  Norton was the engineer on the second engine and the fireman was Emil Messbauer.  C. Dorman was conductor of the train and one of the brakemen was Henry Breed, now an O.&W. conductor.  When he felt the engine leave the rails Norton put his engine in reverse, shut off the steam and leaped into the water.  He was carried by the powerful current beneath the engine and was drowned.  Brakeman Breed was riding in the cab with Norton and Fireman Messbauer and was badly injured in the wreck. Breed was thrown under the cab.  He crawled over the boiler and out through the cab windows and was carried by the current to a nearby fence which he grasped and held on until help arrived. Breed was scaled from his knees up.  His shoulders were injured and according to newspaper accounts of that time, as taken from the files of the Norwich Sun, slight hopes were held out for his recovery.

 

Messbauer also was hurt in the wreck.  His knees were injured and his face was scratched, but he played somewhat the hero of the hour for it was Messbauer who helped Breed to safety and who took Norton's body from between the engine and the tender.  Engineer Borden remained in the cab, sustaining only a cut on his hand.  Fireman Ferris suffered injuries in his shoulder and back.

 

Frank Robbins' circus had arrived at the county fairgrounds the day previous to the flood, ready to stage a performance on Monday, Labor day. The flood broke on the circus grounds about 10 p.m. that night.  The grounds were covered with water.  Circus employees had been paid off Sunday afternoon and many had left their money in their coat pockets.  Unable to rescue their clothing they lost all.  The circus estimated its damage at about $5,000 at that time. 

 

Forty horses had been imported for the races at the Chenango county fair which was to open the following Tuesday after the Sunday night flood.  These horses had to be removed from their stable to dry land.

 

Several Chenango county villages suffered from the storm, Smyrna, Sherburne, North Norwich, King Settlement, Oxford and other places sustained heavy losses.  At Oxford on the Monday morning after the flood, Stewart Young, 11 year old son of Charles Young, lost his life when he fell into the river while playing in the main street.

 

No mails were received over the Lackawanna railroad in Norwich from 6 o'clock that Sunday night until last Monday.  Postmaster J. J. Ray drove to Oxford Monday to get mail which had reached there from the south.  He drove through water to Oxford which ran over the wagon box.  To keep the mail dry on his return journey he drove home via Preston.

 

The county fair was two days late in opening, finally getting under way on Thursday and continued for three days.

 

Another tragedy of the storm was the loss of a pair of horses by Frank Sullivan of King Settlement.  Sullivan started for the Borden plant Monday morning with a load of milk.  It was unsafe for him to cross the creek bridge and he attempted to cross farther up the channel.  the water proved too deep, however, and his fine span was drowned.

 

Another whose recollections of the flood are still as fresh as the night it occurred is Henry K. Mandeville of this city [Norwich].  Henry had been spending the Sabbath day in the home of his father-in-law in King Settlement.  When the clouds began to darken and the first signs of the storm were seen about 6 p.m. that night Henry with his faithful horse and buckboard started the nine-mile journey home.  He had traveled about five miles when he gave up the attempt and spent the night at the home of a friend.  His wagon box was filled with water many times during the trip and driven to despair he decided to wait until morning.

 

No doubt there are many others who will remember the flood and some incident in connection with it, but these are the high spots as recorded in the editions of the newspaper at that time.

_______________________________________________________

 

Flood Causes Death and Destruction

Chenango Union, September 7, 1905

 

Three lives lost, horses and cattle drowned, farm crops destroyed in the value of thousands of dollars, railroad beds on the Ontario and Western main line and New Berlin branch, the Delaware and Lackawanna and Unadilla Valley undermined and washed out and traffic practically suspended on all those roads for 36 hours, were some of the results of the flood in the Chenango and Unadilla valleys which followed the heavy rain and cloud bursts of Sunday evening.

 

The dead are W.H. Norton, Ontario and Western engineer, jumped form his engine and was drowned at Wood's Corners, Mrs. J.M. Deering drowned at New Berlin and Stuart M. Young, aged eleven years, drowned at Oxford.

 

The injured are Henry W. Breed, trainman, scaled and in a dangerous condition, Frank Ferris, fireman, collar bone broken, E.G. Borden, engineer, hand cut and body bruised.

 

The Canasawacta felt the effects of the storms before the river and before eight o'clock Sunday night was raging high above its banks.  .  Mr. Wood, at the Stone Mill, says that the water was considerably above the high mark of previous years.  At the cemetery bridge at the foot of Broad street the creek left its channel and crossed Broad street, the flood reaching to the steps of the Prentiss house and filled cellars as far north as the residence of A.E. Seeley. Several Norwich people who had been spending the day at Oxford and attempted to return in the evening, were stranded at the Amzi Roe place, just below the cemetery.  Dr. Dunne was one of those.  He left his team at Mr. Roe's and came to Norwich by the way of cemetery bridge, west hill and the West Main street bridge.

 

The river rose above its banks about ten o'clock and the alarm was gien on the fair grounds. The poultry tent, which was located on low ground  was the first to suffer and the poultry was removed to Floral hall, to barns near by and some of it to West Hill barns.

 

Robbins' circus which pitched tents on the fair grounds Sunday morning in readiness for Monday performances was early flooded. The ponies, performing animals and menagerie animals on foot and loose property was collected and taken to high points.  The main tent was in three feet of water, the cooking tent and dining tent were flooded out and the canvassmen driven to high ground for safety.  Many of the workmen lost parts of their clothing and in several instances coats were swept down the river contained the wages which had been received on Sunday, which was pay day for the laborers.

 

The draft horses were taken to the knoll opposite the grand stand, the cooking and dining tents were removed to Mitchell street, near Laupher's coal damn and the grounds abandoned by the circus people./ 

 

The water continued to rise until noon on Monday.  It then began to fall as rapidly as it had risen and before dark had fallen eighteen inches.  West Main street as far west as Adelaide was flooded.  A raging torrent flowed through the carriage gate of the fair ground, and on the east side of the grounds there was no land to be seen. The Grand stand, the new barn, Floral hall and the Manson Jersey barn were the only buildings out of water.  The flood reached into the cattle shed on the south side of the field and all stock was removed during Sunday night and Monday morning.  The exhibitors who had pitched tents on the midway and the poultry and stock men who had their living tents on the ground were drowned out with considerable damage to property. The only man who had any right to be happy was the tin-type artist.  His tent stood in four feet of water but above it hung a large banner which read "Don't fail to have your picture taken on a yacht."  Some of the other drowned out exhibitors tried to borrow his yacht to ferry their goods to dry land, but the tin-type man couldn't see the joke. 

 

The valley north and south was a sight.  A boat piled all day down East Main street from  near Grove avenue to the fair grounds and Monday afternoon a boat was launched on East Main street and a boating party cruised all over the fair grounds and then, keeping out of the current, rowed nearly to Wood's corners, passing over the top of wire fences and through corn fields where the top of the corn just showed above the water. 

 

The flood, generally speaking, was the worst ever known in Norwich.  At no previous time has the entire valley and the lower part of the village been under as great depth of water.  The flood of 1865 was the nearest approach.  That came in the spring of the year and was caused by a spring freshet and an ice jam at the old covered bridge. 

 

To be continued

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Obituaries (January 15)

Solomon Duncan

Utica Saturday Globe, November 1917

 

1844 - 1917

Norwich [Chenango Co., NY]:  Solomon Duncan, who died at his home on Plymouth street on Monday morning last, had been in failing health for nearly a year.  He was born in East Troy, Wis., on march 1, 1844.  He came to Norwich in 1901 and secured employment under the street commissioner, retaining the position until about three years ago. Deceased was a veteran of the civil war, having enlisted at Janesville, Wis.,  in 1861 and serving with faithfulness for four years.  he was an esteemed member of Smith Post, G.A.R.  He is survived by his wife, two sons, Floyd S. Duncan and William J. Duncan, both of Norwich; one daughter, Mrs. Richard Fry of Binghamton, one grandson, Robert S. Duncan of Norwich, and other relatives.  Funeral services were held at 2 o'clock Tuesday afternoon, Rev. H.R. MacMillan officiating, and interment was made at North Norwich Cemetery.

 

James Preston

Chenango Union, July 13, 1882

Last week we had barely time to announce the death of James Preston, of Binghamton [Broome Co., NY], formerly of Oxford [Chenango Co., NY], but were without particulars.  We copy the following from the Binghamton Republican of Thursday last:

 

James Preston, a tinner, in the employ of W.H. Lyon, fell dead on the morning of the 4th while apparently in his usual good health.  He arose about 9:30 that morning at the Central House on Collier and Hawley streets, where he boarded, and went to the sitting room where he drank a glass of ice water.  He then went to Mr. Lyon's shop at the corner of Collier and Hawley Streets, where several other employees of the establishment were assembled.  He sat down in a chair and almost immediately fell over in a lifeless condition.  He was picked up by T. Anderson and a Mr. Baker who laid him upon a bench.  Mr. Anderson supported his head and Mr. Baker hastened in search of a physician, but the unfortunate man expired within two minutes. The body was taken to Frear's undertaking rooms where an autopsy was made by Drs. Thayer and West, disclosing the fact that death resulted form the rupture of an artery at the base of the brain. The remains were removed to Mr. Lyons residence and yesterday were takin to Oxford, his former home.  Deceased was a member of Norwich Commandery, No. 46, of Knight's Templar, of Norwich, N.Y., and a member of the Masonic Lodge at Oxford.  A detachment of Malta Commandery, No. 21, K.T. of this city, accompanied his remains to the depot.

Augusta Church

Oxford Times, November 8, 1905

Mrs. Augusta Church, widow of Devillo Church, died at her home in Afton [Chenango Co., NY], October 20.  Mrs. Church had been ill, but a few weeks.  Recently she submitted to an amputation of the foot above the ankle from which she did not rally as well as was wished, death finally resulting.  Mrs. Church was sixty-nine years of age and leaves two sons, George and Frederick, both business men of Afton, also two sisters, Margaret and Sarah Landers, who reside on the old homestead in that town.

Charles Medbury

Chenango Union, November 11, 1880

Mr. Charles Medbury, of Pittsfield [Otsego Co., NY], a life-long resident of this section of whose illness we made mention a week or two since, died on Monday evening last.  Mr. Medbury had for some time been troubled with a swelling upon the side of his neck that was thought to be pressing against the wind pipe, and as this swelling was daily growing larger, it would eventually end his life.  A council of physicians was called and after an examination, and at the request of Mr. Medbury, an operation was performed on Monday afternoon last, and two tumors nearly as large as a hen's egg removed.  The operation was completed at about three o'clock, and he lived till about half past eight in the evening, when death relieved him of his sufferings.  Mr. Medbury  was Vice-President of the First national Bank of this village, and held many responsible town offices in the town in which he was a resident.  By his industry and good management he had accumulated a large property, and as a citizen he was honored and respected.  He left behind him a large circle of relatives and a host of warm friends --Gazette

Death Notices

Walton Chronicle, March 24, 1869

ACKERLY:  Died in Margaretville [Delaware co., NY] 17 March of apoplexy, David Ackerly, aged 61 years.  He was a pioneer of the village and, up to the year before his death, proprietor of the Ackerly House.

Chenango American, July 20, 1870

HALLENBECK:  In this town [Greene, Chenango Co., NY], Mr. John V. Hallenbeck, aged 61 years.

NASH:  In Norwich [Chenango Co., NY], July 5th, Mr. Lewis Nash, aged 71 years.

McNITT:  In Norwich [Chenango Co., NY], July 4th, Mrs. Ruth McNitt, aged 78 years.

Bainbridge Republican, March 2, 1872

BROWN:  In Otego [Otsego Co., NY], Dec. 13, 1871, of apoplexy, Mrs. Betsey Brown, aged 73 years and 9 months.  She has been a resident of Otego the past 60 years.

KING:  At Sidney Plains [Delaware Co., NY], Feb. 23d, Jeremiah King, aged 80 years.

THOMAS:  At Bainbridge [Chenango Co., NY], Feb. 26th, Clara [Thomas], youngest daughter of Edward and Sophronia Thomas, aged 12 years.

TERRY:  In Norwich [Chenango Co., NY] on the 5th inst., Naoma [Terry], wife of Kinyon Terry, aged 30 years.

RIPLEY:  In Greene [Chenango Co., NY], Feb. 19th, Hannah [Ripley], wife of Maj. W.C. Ripley, aged 58 years.

RAFFERTY:  At Sherburne [Chenango Co., NY], Jan. 31st, Daniel Rafferty, aged 54 years.

PARKER:  In Coventry [Chenango Co., NY], Feb. 21st, Hiram Parker, aged 71 years.

 

Marriages (January 14)

Mr. & Mrs. Charles H. Post

Utica Saturday Globe, February 1921

 

 

Charles H. & Jennie (Brooks) Post

Norwich [Chenango Co., NY]:  Mr. and Mrs. Charles H. Post had been married 50 years on February 8.  The anniversary was modestly celebrated, owing to the health of Mrs. Post at their home on North Broad Street with a dinner served to a small company of friends.  It lacked much of the merriment of the gay assemblage that gathered at the home of the bride's parents, Mr. and Mrs. Charles B. Brooks, half a century previous but was a very happy and worthy occasion, made more enjoyable by the presence of the daughter, Mrs. Julia Sixberry, of Scranton.

 

At the time of the wedding, 50 years ago, the Brooks residence was on North Broad Street on the site of the present wooden Baker Block.  Mr. Brooks was one of the most enterprising residents of the village.  The home was fittingly prepared for the ceremony which was celebrated at 3 o'clock in the afternoon, Rev. William Wadsworth, of the Methodist church, officiating, assisted by Presiding elder Harroun.  Miss Hattie Whitford and Evans Adams of Sherburne, acted as bridesmaid and best man.  Mrs. Fannie Garrison prepared and served the wedding refreshments, which the groom recalls included the first layer coconut cake he ever ate.

 

Mr. and Mrs. Post departed amid a shower of old shoes, rice and good wishes on the Lackawanna train for Utica on their bridal journey. The Lackawanna road had been in operation only a short time but the afternoon train departed about the same hour as now.  Upon their return the newlyweds took up their residence on Cortland street. The bride was a native of Norwich, was educated in the village schools and had already become a social favorite when the groom came to Norwich in September, 1868, from Poughkeepsie to work in the cooperage of Silas W. Brooks on Front Street.  He came by rail to Sidney from Albany and by stage to Norwich, the old Midland Railroad having hardly been suggested.

 

In those days the making of butter tubs and firkins was a leading local industry.  Mr. Post recalls how the hoop-poles came to the factory in bundles and were split and draw-shaved into shape for use on the tubs and firkins. The poles were white oak and hickory saplings cut in the vicinity of Port Jervis and rafted through the D.&H. Canal to Kingston and up the Hudson to Albany. At first the cooperage job was good only summers and Mr. Post went back to Poughkeepsie winters, but the demand became so great for the product of the factory, that it was operated winters and he took up his residence here. Since the local cooperage business later declined and became only a memory, Mr. Post has been a traveling salesman.  He recently celebrated his 50th anniversary of Odd Fellowship, and was presented with a jeweled ornament in recognition of the event. With his estimable wife he enjoys the respect and well wishes of a large circle of acquaintances and friends.

 

Osgood - Lawrence

Bainbridge Republican, Ag. 23, 1899

The marriage of William D. Osgood, the editor of The Windsor Standard, and Miss Ida Lawrence, occurred on Wednesday afternoon of last week, at 3 o'clock, at the home of the bride's mother, Mrs. Emma Lawrence, of Windsor [Broome Co., NY], the Rev. Mr. Hoffman performing the ceremony. The guests were the near relatives of the bride and groom. A reception and wedding supper followed the service when the bridal couple left on the late afternoon train for Albany and other places.  Mrs. Osgood was a former Bainbridge girl, was born and educated here and resided in our village until about two years ago. She was one of our estimable young women, bright and winsome, pleasant and companionable, and is a bonnie bride, and will prove a model wife. She has many friends in her old home who wish her much happiness. The groom, Mr. Osgood, is well and favorably known in Bainbridge.  He served upon the Republican staff for some time and leaving Bainbridge became proprietor of The Standard, which he has conducted  successfully.  He is a young man of talent and energy and is devoted to journalism in which he will doubtless rise high. The Republican extends heartiest congratulations to Mr. and Mrs. Osgood. 

 

Ackerly - Mungor

Oxford Times, November 8, 1905

Richfield Springs:  the marriage of Miss Carro B. Mungor, only daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Frank E. Mungor, to Clarence E. Ackerly of New York, was held at the home of the bride's parents at 5 o'clock yesterday afternoon and was a delightful informal and pleasant affair.  About twenty-five were present, only relatives and intimate friends.  The rooms were beautifully decorated with chrysanthemums, palms and ground pine. The ceremony, which was performed by Rev. Edmund G. Rawson of the Presbyterian church, took place in the parlor, the bride, who wore a going away gown of dark blue with lace bodice and carried white chrysanthemums, being attended by Miss B. Marjorie Seaton, who wore white and carried pink chrysanthemums, while Henry O. Smith of New York was best man. A supper, served by Teabout, followed, after which Mr. and Mrs. Ackerly left for Brooklyn, where they will reside. The bride is a very attractive and charming young woman. She has many dear friends in Richfield who regret her departure.  Mr. Ackerly is secretary of the Merchants' Transportation Company in New York.

 

Marriage Notices

 

AKERLEY - HICKOX:  Married, 7 Dec. at the home of bride's father by Rev. A. Brigham, A.M. Akerley of Bainbridge, NY [Chenango Co.] to Weltha L. Hickox of Maine [Broome Co., NY].  [Bainbridge Republican, Dec. 13, 1876)

 

AKERLEY - TUCKER:  In Sawyersville, July 5th, by rev. J.H. Van Worth, Mr. E.T. Akerly, to Miss T.D. Tucker, both of Bainbridge [Chenango Co., NY]  [Chenango American, July 20, 1870]

 

PRATT - BRIGGS:  In Norwich, Mr. Chas. J. Pratt of New Berlin [Chenango Co., NY] to Miss Alice Briggs, daughter of the late Hiram Briggs, Esq., of Sherburne [Chenango Co., NY]. [Chenango American, July 20, 1870] 

 

BENEDICT - WAKEFIELD:  In Guilford, July 12th, by Re.v Geo. Heaten, Mr. Ira Benedict, of East Coventry [Chenango Co., NY], to Mrs. Clarissa Wakefield, of Guilford [Chenango Co., NY]  [Chenango American, July 20, 1870]

 

AKERLEY - CHAMBERLAIN:  Miss Mary Akerly is to be married Wednesday afternoon at 3 o'clock.  Her many friends wish her much happiness.  [Chenango Union, Nov. 11, 1880] 

 

Note:  From church register:  Mary L. Akerly and Dewitt Chamberlain were married 10 Nov. 1880 in St. Peter's Church, Bainbridge [Chenango Co., NY]

 

 

 

 

Obituaries (January 14)

Henry Stone & Frank B. Hart
Hunters Believed Drowned

Utica Saturday Globe, November 1917

Henry Stone
1891 - 1917

 

Norwich [Chenango Co., NY]:  The disappearance of two well-known men while on a hunting expedition in the Adirondacks has caused their families and friends the deepest concern.  The men are Henry Stone, of Norwich, and Frank B. Hart, of Maybrook [Orange Co., NY], who, with Merritt L. Crook, R.E. Rowe and son, George and H.V. Hamilton, of this city, and M.J. Tobey of Oneonta, made up a hunting party.  Hart was formerly a resident here and only recently had removed to Maybrook. 

 

Saturday, November 3, Stone and Hart started to cross mud lake in a flat-bottomed steel boat.  They were on the way to the railroad station and carried a large deer, which Stone had shot and expected to ship to his home here.  They were sighted passing the hunting lodge of W.A. Lewis and from that time all trace of them was lost until last Monday, when the carcass of the deer, the oars from the boat, the men's hats and Stone's pack basket were found frozen in the ice that coated the lake.  Rescue parties had been busy and conducted a thorough and systematic search in the belief that the men had been drowned, as the boat used by them was small and overloaded with the weight of two men and the game they carried.  Tuesday a party of O.&W. employees went to the woods with  grappling hooks and other apparatus to continue the search and dynamite was used in the hope of recovering the bodies, as there seemed to be no doubt as to the fate of the hunters.  At the last report the boat had not been recovered, but the search was being carried on with unremitting zeal. The water was lowered in the lake by the opening the Horse Shoe dam. The ice hampered operations and made the search difficult, it being about two inches thick, not strong enough to walk on, but thick enough to seriously impede the progress of a boat.

 

At the time the men attempted to cross the lake a stiff breeze was blowing and the water was rough. Their craft, though small was considered capable of carrying the two men and the deer safely to their destination.  It was at first thought that the boat might have sprung a leak and they had been forced to land in swamp lands beyond the reach of their companions. As the days went by the hope of their being alive grew hourly more improbable and death by drowning seems the only explanation of their disappearance.

 

Frank B. Hart is the son of Mrs. Elizabeth A. Hart, of Mitchell street, and had always made his home here until a short time ago.  his age is about 45.  He is an O.&W. trainman.  Henry Stone is 28 years of age, a son of Eli Stone, of Gold street, and an employee in the Maydole hammer factory.  he is married and has a child about 15 months old. The men had gone to the woods on their annual hunting excursion. Stone was on his way home when the accident occurred.

 

Bodies of Hart and Stone Missing Since November Recovered

Norwich Sun, April 27, 1918

 

The bodies of Frank B. Hart and Henry Stone, Norwich hunters who have been missing in the Adirondacks since November 3, 1917, were discovered Friday.  Details concerning the finding of the two drowned bodies are lacking, only a brief wire being received by relatives here.  Aside from Stone and Hart, the hunting party of which they were members, consisted of Merritt L. Crook, R.E. Rowe, H.W. Hamilton of this city and M.J.  Tobey of Oneonta. The four men left Saturday morning for Mud lake, where the bodies rose to the surface, and will take charge of the remains which will be brought back to this city for burial.

 

Saturday morning, the third of November, while a blinding snow storm raged, Stone and Hart started for the station at Long Lake West in a flat bottomed steel boat with the deer which Stone had shot.  Long Lake West is a station on the Adirondack division of the New York Central railroad and to reach the depot by boat from the camp where the Norwich hunters were, it is necessary to row down to Mud lake, across the muddy water of the treacherous lake and down to the landing through a chain of seven lakes connected by Bog river.  Arrived at the landing, it is a 25 minutes walk to the railroad station.

 

After Hart and Stone left the camp on the journey to the landing, Crook started on foot around the lake, and down the river to Long Lake West, arriving there about noon.  The train leaves at 1:40 but he waited at the river landing until 1:15.  Crook, thinking that they were delayed and would probably get there in time for the 9 o'clock train that evening, left on the return hike to the camp in order to reach there before dark.  On the evening of the Saturday that the two hunters disappeared ice formed on the lakes from one to two inches in thickness, just enough to prevent a successful search.  Nevertheless every effort was made to find the bodies or some trace of the two men, but even draining off the water in Horseshoe dam failed to bring the bodies to the surface. The search was abandoned only after everything possible had been done to locate them.  Hope of finding the two men alive was not given up until their paddle, deer, a cap and glove, and a pack basket were discovered.  The fourteen foot boat in which the hunters set out for the river landing was built with two air-tight compartments, but even these failed to save the lives of the daring hunters.

 

Funeral arrangements for the tow men will be completed as soon as the party of local men return from Mud lake with the recovered bodies.

Bodies Brought Home

Norwich Sun, April 29, 1918

The bodies of Frank B. Burt and Henry Stone of this city [Norwich, Chenango Co., NY] were brought home Monday morning and were taken in the sealed caskets to Mt. Hope cemetery [Norwich, NY]. Their funeral services were conducted in the chapel of Mt. Hope at 2:30 o'clock in the afternoon. Rev. Robert L. Clark conducted the solemn double service after which interment was made. The bodies were discovered in Bog Pond, three miles from Long Lake West in the North Woods last Thursday. The men had been missing since November 3 when they were accidentally drowned while on a hunting trip.  Constant search was kept up for several weeks for the bodies but it was unavailing and when ice formed efforts to recover the bodies were suspended until spring.

Obituary - Frank Burton Hart

Norwich Sun, May 1, 1918

 

 

Frank Burton Hart

1872 - 1917

 

Frank Burton Hart was born June 30, 1872, at Sherburne [Chenango Co., NY] and died November 3, 1917, drowned in Mud Pond which he was crossing on his way home from a hunting trip.  About twenty-one years ago he was married to Miss Mabel Waters of Oneonta.  She survives him, also his mother, Mrs. A.E. Hart of this city, and one sister, Mrs. Maurice Hoke of Oswego.  practically all his life was spent in Norwich.  A railroad man, he was for most of the time employed by the O.&W., but at the time of his death he was working for the Central New England R.R. company and residing at Maybrook [Orange Co., NY].  Two uncles of Mr. Hart are Methodist ministers, Rev. Frederick Hart being a pastor in Indiana, the other for whom he was named, Rev. Frank L. Hart, being a prominent officer in the Church insurance company, with headquarters at Chicago.  Mr. Hart was a true and devoted husband and son, kind and good in his family relations and loyal to his friends of whom he had a great number who were shocked and grieved at his sudden and tragic death. The body was not recovered until this spring and the funeral service of Mr. Hart and of Henry Stone who were drowned at the same time, was held at the mortuary chapel with interment in Mount Hope cemetery Monday afternoon, Rev. Robert L. Clark of the Broad Street M.E. Church officiating.

 

 

Obituaries (January 13)

George Wheeler

Utica Saturday Globe, November 1917

 

George Wheeler

1848 - 1917

Norwich [Chenango Co., NY]:  Funeral services for the late George Wheeler were held from his former home on Pleasant street at 2:30 Sunday afternoon.  there was a large attendance of friends and relatives, Rev. Walter L. Bennett, pastor of the Congregational Church, officiating.  Over 60 members of the Masonic fraternities formed an escort at Mount Hope Cemetery [Norwich, NY], where impressive ritualistic services were held.  Deceased was born in the town of New Berlin [Chenango Co., NY] December 3, 1848, the son of James and Eliza Handy Wheeler.  When a young man he came to Norwich and about 1876 purchased the old Red Mill property on Pleasant street, which at that time consisted of a sawmill and tannery building, the latter business having been abandoned.  In those days the mill pond was a favorite resort for skaters in winter and the principal source of the local ice supply.  Mr. Wheeler set about improving the property and commenced the manufacture of dressed lumber, stepladders, potato crates and other specialties. The water power becoming uncertain, other power was substituted and a prosperous, thriving business was built up, which Mr. Wheeler conducted until his death.  June 17, 1877, deceased married Miss Eva Bosworth, whose death occurred about two years ago after a long and wasting illness.  At the age of 20 Mr. Wheeler became a Mason and allied himself with the Norwich lodge November 5, 1872.  He was always active in Masonic circles, was master of the local lodge in 1883 and 1884 and served Harmony Chapter as high priest in 1885 and 1886.  He was a temple trustee and devoted much time to establishing and maintaining the Masonic Temple in his home city.  Sincere and thoughtful as a friend, in business affairs his integrity was never questioned.  he served several terms as a village trustee and in that, as in all official positions, he filled, he was found to be capable and painstaking. For several weeks before his death he was confined to his home. Borne down by a fatal malady he suffered much but patiently awaited the final summons, entering into rest at an early hour on Friday evening last. The nearest surviving relative is a brother, Delos Wheeler, of Smithville, besides whom he leaves several cousins.

 

Eva T. (Bosworth) Wheeler

Norwich Sun, October 18, 1916

Mrs. Eva T. Wheeler, the wife of George W. Wheeler, died at their home at 96 Pleasant street about 10 o'clock Tuesday night, Oct. 17, 1916, aged 65 years.  Private funeral services will be held at the home Friday afternoon at 2:30 o'clock, Rev. Paul R. Allen officiating and interment will be made in Mt. Hope cemetery [Norwich, NY].  Mrs. Wheeler was the daughter of Hendrick C. and Dianah Wood Bosworth, and was born on North Broad street in this city [Norwich, Chenango Co., NY].  Until she was married June 17, 1877 to George W. Wheeler, the lumber dealer, she resided with her parents in the house now owned and occupied by Mayor Geo. W Brooks. For the past 37 years she has resided in the home which her husband built adjacent to his planing mill shortly after their marriage.  A life long resident of the city she was very highly esteemed by a large group of friends who sincerely mourn her decease. Cordial and generous she was not only the careful housewife and guardian of her charming home but she found time for many social activities. She was an attendant at the Congregational church and for a number of years was a member of the Willing Workers circle of the Kings Daughters and an indefatigable worker for the church and society. She was also a charter member of Norwich chapter of the Order of Eastern Star and filled all but one office within its gift, declining the heavy duties of the matronship. About three years ago Mrs. Wheeler sustained a slight paralytic shock which was the commencement of the breaking down of her health.  Thirteen weeks ago she suffered a second shock and since that time suffered greatly until death released her tired spirit.  Mr. Wheeler is survived by her husband, a sister-in-law, Mrs. A.W. Bosworth of this city and two nieces, Mrs. Hugh Bryan of Sherburne and Mrs. George Vermilyea of Brooklyn. To them the sincere sympathy of many friends of the deceased is extended.

Charles Henry Aldrich

Chenango Union, June 21, 1900

Charles Henry Aldrich, a life-long resident of the town of Plymouth [Chenango Co., NY] died at his residence at South Plymouth Saturday evening, aged 59 years.  He has been in failing health for several months and the end was not unexpected.  Charles H. Aldrich was born in the town of Plymouth May 8, 1841.  His family was one of the earliest to come to this section of New York state and clear and settle what is now the town of Plymouth.  In 1863 he married Miss Ruphina Barnes, daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Lucius Barnes of Plymouth. The widow, together with two children, Arthur D. Aldrich of Norwich, and Mrs. William Guile of Plymouth, survive him.  he is also survived by two brothers, Noah and Albertus Aldrich of Plymouth, and two sisters, Mrs. Joseph Brooks of Plymouth, and Mrs. James O'Deli of Norwich. the funeral was held from his late residence at south Plymouth on Tuesday, Rev. Edwin Judson Klock, pastor of the First Congregational church, Norwich officiating. The burial was under the auspices of Norwich lodge no. 302, F.&A.M., of which Mr. Aldrich has been a member since 1873.  H. Deloes Mallory, chaplain of the lodge, conducted the Masonic ceremonies at the grave.  Services at the house and grave were very largely attended, many from Norwich being in attendance, besides a host of friends and neighbors.

Harry N. Kopf

Norwich Sun, October 18, 1916

Oneonta [Otsego Co., NY]:   Harry N. Kopf, eight-year-old son of Mr. and Mrs. Henry Kopf of 33 Hudson street, this city, was fatally injured yesterday afternoon when he was struck by a motor car driven by Leslie M. Payne of East Worcester, while playing in the street, near the schoolhouse where he had a short time before ended his day's work. The lad was picked up by Payne, placed in his car and rushed to Fox Memorial hospital, but he had expired before the institution was reached. Examination showed that the boy's skull was fractured at the base of the brain.  Witnesses of the accident asserted Payne was not driving fast but that the Kopf boy attempted to cross the street after the former had sounded his horn, directly in front of the machine. Coroner Norman Getman held Payne for an examination Thursday morning and bail, which was fixed at $2,000, was furnished by Fred Molcolm, a local automobile salesman.

Adelbert Smith

Cobleskill Index, July 1, 1920

Delbert Smith, a native of the town of Middlefield, Otsego county, but for the greater art of his life a resident of Schoharie county, died at 4 a.m. Monday at his home in Seward.  He had been ill since October last, and for five weeks had been receiving radium treatment at the Fox Memorial hospital in Oneonta. Two weeks ago he suffered a shock and on Wednesday last, at his earnest request, he was taken home that his last hours might be spent among friends in a town of which for forty years he had been a resident.  Mr. Smith was 74 years of age.  In early life he was a teacher, but his occupation for many years was a carpenter in which occupation he was unusually skillful.  For several years, he led a retired life.  He was a member of the Schoharie Board of Supervisors in 1909.  He was a loving husband and father, an upright Christian man, a member of the Lutheran church and a kind friend and neighbor.  He was fond of outdoor life and had made many trips to the Adirondacks in the deer season. The deceased is survived by his wife, one son, L.D. Smith of Oneonta, and by six grandchildren; also three brothers, W.C. Smith of East Worcester, Gilbert V. Smith of Schenevus and Edward of Warnerville. The funeral services were held at his late home in Seward Wednesday.  Interment was made in the Seward cemetery.  [Husband of Cora Ella (Akerley) Smith]

Renselaer W. Akerley

1821 - 1912

R.W. Akerly, one of the oldest residents of this village [Bainbridge, Chenango Co., NY] died Tuesday morning at 8:30.  Mr. Akerly was 91 years old, having passed his last birthday on the 22d day of this month [June].  His advanced age had brought on failing health for several weeks. Two days pervious to his death he took to the bed and his life gradually ebbed away.  Mr. Akerly had been a resident of Bainbridge for over fifty years and up to a few years ago successfully followed his trade of carpentry, and many of the houses which stand in this village today testify to his artisanship.  He was born in Delhi [Delaware Co., NY], June 22, 1821.  In 1848, he was married to Harriet L. Root, who died January 30, 1871.  Two daughters and one son, were born to this union, Cora E., wife of Adelbert Smith, who died November 30, 1874, Mary L., wife of Dewitt Chamberlain, who died some fifteen years ago and Owen Dwight Akerly, who went west when twenty years of age and since has been given up as dead as no information has come from him in many years.  In 1874, Mr. Akerly married Elizabeth Scriber, who survives him at the age of 92.  The deceased was a highly respected citizen.  He had been for many years a vestryman of St. Peter's church and was always a regular attendant at the church services.  He was a very friendly man, well liked and regarded.  He was much admired for his long life, retaining his capability and activities nearly to the last.  The funeral was held today, Thursday afternoon, with prayer at the house at 1:30, and services in St. Peter's Church at 2 p.m.  Members of the vestry acted as bearers, Rev. L.L. Wells conducted the services. Burial was in the Episcopal cemetery. Besides the aged wife, the deceased is survived by two nieces, Mrs. Daisy Akerly, of Binghamton and Mrs. Andrew Lawrence, of Windsor, and one grandson, Leon Smith of Schenevus.

[Compiler note:  Renselear ("Ransom") Akerley was a master carpenter of exceptional ability.  Around 1850 he was the "Boss" carpenter on the Enterprise project, the purpose of which was to build a large steamship to enable the utilization of the Susquehanna River for the transport of goods.  The steamship was intended to provide a direct means for transporting local area goods to distant markets, as well as facilitate bringing goods into Bainbridge.  The Enterprise was a 120 foot long, flat-bottomed, stern-wheel steamboat.  Construction took place on the west bank of the Susquehanna, just below the river bridge. Renselaer also applied his carpentry skills to the building of many of the homes and buildings in Bainbridge.  Evidence of his artistry is the house known at one time as the Danforth house on upper West Main street, for many years the home and office of Dr. Edward Danforth.  The house was built by Renselaer for Orrin Jacobs in 1849.  Its white pillars and classical lines make it a standout among the houses in the village of Bainbridge.]

 

Obituaries (January 12)

Edward Stokes

Utica Saturday Globe, October 1917

 

Edward Stokes

1858 - 1917

Rome [Oneida Co., NY]:   Edward Stokes, of 105 East Thomas street, died in a local hospital last Friday night, following an operation performed the previous Tuesday.  Mr. Stokes was born in Hamilton, Madison county, 59 years ago and there, 35 years ago, he married Miss Mary Bolger. The family lived in Norwich [Chenango Co., NY] for 30 years and for 26 years he was employed as a hammer maker in the plant of the Maydole Hammer Company.  Mr. and Mrs. Stokes came here five months ago to be with their only child.  Mrs. Ray Lowe.  Since coming here Mr. Stokes had been employed in the plant of the Rome Wire Company.  he was a member of St. Paul's Church in Norwich, where the funeral was held Monday.  Mr. Stokes was a man of high moral character and was esteemed by all who made his acquaintance here.  Besides the wife and daughter the following brothers and sisters survive:  John, of Binghamton; William, of Utica; Mrs. Edward Fleming, of Utica; Mrs. John Welch and Mrs. Frank Hickens, of Bayonne, N.J.; Mrs. Charles J. Sawdy, of Elizabeth, N.J.; Mrs. Harry Rexford, of Hamilton, and Mrs. George Kelly of Oklahoma; also his aged mother, Mrs. Daniel Stokes, of Hamilton.

Howard C. Warner

Norwich Sun, September 22, 1917

The death of Howard C. Warner who has been seriously ill at the Oneida city hospital, occurred Thursday afternoon, Sept. 20, aged 41 years.  He is survived by his parents, Mr. and Mrs. Thomas R. Warner, one daughter, Gertrude, and one son, James.  He was of a kind disposition, unselfish and always ready to lend a helping hand to the unfortunate.  The family has the entire sympathy of the community.  The funeral will be held at his parents' home at East Norwich [Chenango Co., NY], Sunday afternoon at 2 o'clock.  Interment made in Mt. Hope cemetery.

Emma (Green) Myrick Briggs

Died, BRIGGS--At Gilbertsville [Otsego Co., NY], July 10, Mrs. Orlando W. Briggs, aged 71 years.  [Bainbridge Republican, July 30, 1903]

Mrs. Orlando W. Briggs died at her home on East Bloom street in Gilbertsville Friday morning, July 10th.  The news of her death came as a great shock to the people of this community, who had known and regarded her highly for so many years. She had not been well since the great bereavement she suffered in the death of her son some years ago, and for the past few weeks had been confined to her bed, but her condition had not been regarded as critical, until Tuesday last, when she suffered a shock, after which she gradually declined until Friday when death came as stated.  Mrs. Briggs was the daughter of Rufus P. Green and was born in Sidney [Delaware Co., NY] in 1832, the family moving to Gilbertsville in about the year 1849.  She was married to Hiram Myrick in 1850. To them were born two children, Chas. R., who died three years since, and Mrs. Ida Wallin, now a resident of Eugene City, Oregon.  Mr. Myrick died in the early sixties and in 1866 she married Orlando W. Briggs who survives her.  Of this union one daughter was born, Mrs. Helen Quimby, who resides at Unadilla.  Early in life Mrs. Briggs embraced the Christian faith and was a member of the Methodist church for some years. Subsequently she united with the Baptist church of this village, of which she has been upwards of thirty years a devout, consistent member.  Mrs. Briggs possessed many of those qualities which go to make the true and loving wife; a devoted mother, she had been faithful to every duty, and by her family will be sincerely mourned. She had been called up to bear great trials, and when brought face to face with a great calamity in the shocking death of her only son, had endured patiently and with sweet Christian fortitude the great sorrow that would have broken many of stronger physical condition.  She leaves a large circle of friends who deeply mourn her death as one whose place in their hearts can never be filled. The funeral occurred on Sunday afternoon at her late home, Rev. D.E. Post officiating, with interment in Brookside cemetery. She leaves surviving her besides her husband, two daughters, Mrs. Irving Wallin, of Eugene, Oregon, and Mrs. Fred Quimby, of Bainbridge.  [The Otsego Journal, Gilbertsville, July 16, 1903]

Charles R. Myrick

Sidney Record, June 23, 1900

Charles R. Myrick, aged forty-two, of Gilbertsville [Otsego Co., NY], shot and instantly killed his wife, forty years of age, at his home at Gilbertsville, Friday last.  Myrick then shot himself in the head, dying instantly. Myrick went to the home of his mother, where his wife, from whom he had separated two years ago, was visiting.  The wife was out and while waiting for her Myrick talked with his eight-year-old daughter.  When his wife returned he asked her to live with him again and when she refused he threw her to the floor, drew a revolver and fired. The first shot only grazed her heart, but the second penetrated her brain.  Myrick's mother saw the tragedy and tried to stop him.

Chenango Telegraph, June 20, 1900

Mrs. Myrick was formerly Miss Jennie Wilds, and was highly respected.  They had been married about 24 years and leave four daughters, one of whom, Mrs. Donald Pratt, lives at Bainbridge.  Mrs. Myrick and one daughter, Vera, had lived at Bainbridge during the past year, where she was employed at the home of Harrison L. Beatty, and was at Gilbertsville on a visit. It is believed that the act was premeditated, as he had intimated to a companion shortly before that himself and wife would soon be dead together.

Chenango Union, June 21, 1900

The Oneonta Star says:  Myrick, a native of Gilbertsville, was 42 years of age and was known as a worthless, ne'er-do-well fellow.  Married about 24 years ago to Jennie Wilds, a lovable and respected girl, also a native of that town, their married life proved unhappy.  He was careless and made poor use of money he did earn.  Four children--four attractive daughters were born to them.  About two years ago her domestic relations becoming so unpleasant, she took her children and went to the home of her father, Chester Wilds. For the past year she and one daughter, Vera, aged seven, have lived in  Bainbridge, where she found employment at the home of Harrison L. Beatty.  She recently returned to Gilbertsville, and was visiting at the home of his mother, now the wife of Orlando Briggs.  The only motive known for the crime was the refusal of the woman to live with him.  Unanimous are the citizens that no reason for jealousy existed.  he was considered a man of base instincts, and it may be that her refusal to return to him, coupled with the fact that the mother sympathized with her, angered him.  It is generally believed, however, that the act was premeditated.  Four children survive them. The eldest is the wife of Donald Pratt of Bainbridge.

Marriages (January 11)

Double Wedding

Bennett - Balcom & Rider - Follett

Utica Saturday Globe, February 1921

 

Standing:  Ernest Winfield & Grace Margaret (Balcom) Bennett

Sitting:  Lester Benjamin & Ida (Follett) Rider

Norwich [Chenango Co., NY]:  Two nuptial knots of double interest were recently tied at the Broad Street M.E. parsonage by the pastor, Rev. Frank W. Young, when at 5 o'clock in the afternoon Miss Grace Margaret Balcom became the bride of Ernest Winfield Bennett. A few minutes later Miss Ida Follett and Lester Benjamin Rider were joined in the holy bonds of matrimony. The four young people are close friends and popular residents of the city. At the dual wedding ceremonies each young couple attended the other. For the present Mr. and Mrs. Bennett are residing at 36 Piano Street, while Mr. and Mrs. Rider are making their home at 13 Hayward Avenue.

Marriages from the Register of Christ Episcopal Church, Sherburne, Chenango Co., NY

Guernsey Memorial Library, Norwich, NY

May 13th, 1846:  Married James M. Pearce of New Hartford, Oneida County, to Miss Sarah Davison of Sherburne at the Residence of her father, Peter I. Davison.  Witnhesses, many of their neighbors & citizens.

Sept 25th 1847:  Married in the Church by the Rev. Israel Foote, Mr. Charles Brown of Munnsville, Madison County to Miss Esther Ferry of Sherburne.

July 19, 1848:  Married in the Church, Dr. Charles Lee Easton of Cedarville, Herkimer County, N.Y., to Miss Clarissa Locke of Sherburne, Chenango County, in the presence of her parents and a large assembly of witnesses.  W.D. Wilson

Aug. 23, 1848:  Married in the Church, Mr. Theodore Marsh Bishop & Miss Helen Margaret Holmes of Sherburne in the presence of a large congregation.  W.D. Wilson

Married at the Harveys Hotel Thursday  Nov. 9th, 1848.  Mr. Russel Loomis of Brookfield, Madison County, New York to Miss Lovinia Lawson of Earlville, Chenango County, New York.  Witnesses Mr. U.T. Harvey, Mr. Davis Loomis & Moses Abbey.  W.D. Wilson

Married at the House of Eli Elsbre on Wednesday June 13th, 1849, Mr. Charles Babcock Weaver to Miss Hannah Elsbre, both of Sherburne, in the presence of Walter Elsbre, Levi Knapp, Sophia H. Cook, Julia Cushman & Lovinia Elsbre & a large assembly of friends.  W.D. Wilson

On Monday, Aug. 20th, 1849, Married at the House of Milo Hunt Esq., Mr. John Mason Loomis of Milwaukie, Wisconsin, to Miss Mary Jane Hunt, of Sherburne.  Present as witnesses, the parents of the bride & a large number of friends.  W.D. Wilson

May 14th, 1850, Married in the Church, Mr. Henry W. Marchisi of Utica & Miss Emily Merrill of Sherburne.  Special Witnesses, Egbert G. Upham, Miss Lucy P. Holmes.  W.D. Wilson

 

Chenango & Unadilla Valleys 50 years ago (1872)

Chenango and Unadilla Valleys Fifty Years Ago

by S.S. Randall

Chenango Telegraph, March 27, 1872

 

Continued from posting of January 8, 2017

It will be perceived that the original owners of all the land now included within the bounds of the village of Norwich [Chenango Co., NY], at or about the commencement of the present century, were:

 

On the east side of Main Street, and extending to the Chenango River, reckoning from South to North,  Jedediah Randall, Dr. Jonathan Johnson, Stephen Steere, Capt. John Harris, and Samuel Hammond.

 

On the West side, extending from the Canasawacta creek on the South and West, Israel, Charles and Matthew Graves, Col. William Munroe (The Garnsey farm) and Josiah Dickinson.

 

Judge Steere sold off the Benjamin Edmunds and the Dr. Joseph Brooks lots, north of his residence; and donated to the village the East Green.  The Graves family sold the Seth Garlick, or G.L. Byder farm, and the James Birdsall property; Col. Munroe sold to Elisha Smith of whom Peter B. Garnsey purchased; and Mr. Garnsey, after giving to the village the west Green and the site of the present court House and public buildings, conveyed the lots subsequently owned and occupied by Joseph S. Fenton, Asa Norton and others, up to and including the dwelling house and lot of Dr. Henry Mitchell on the north, and on the West the houses and lots of Beriah Lewis, Charles Randall and Truman Enos.  Mr. Dickinson sold on the North to Elisha Smith and Col. Samuel Randall.

 

The first clergyman in Norwich was Ma--h French; "a practical and unaffected preacher," who settled upon the Joseph Brown farm, half a mile south of the present village.  Was it Mr. French or old Elder Ransom, his successor, who was accustomed in those primitive times to repeat his discourses from the beginning, on the arrival of each tardy member of his congregation as they came entering in? frequently rendering it necessary to go over the same ground some six or eight times in the course of his morning or afternoon sermon.

 

"The earliest physician," says Mr. Clark, "was Jonathan Johnson, who removed here from Connecticut about the year 1794.  During the vigorous portion of his life, he enjoyed a lucrative, and at the same time, most arduous practice.  In the earliest years of his ride, the country was infested with bears and wolves--the latter hunting in packs--and ferocious panthers.  More than once the Doctor pursued his lonely rides over the thickly wooded hills, serenaded by moans, howls, and screams, proceeding from the midnight orgies of these formidable occupants."

 

The first male child born in Norwich, according to the same authority was Marcus Cole, and the second Hascall Ransford, Jr.  The first female child, and the first white native of the Chenango Valley, was Lucy Power, born on the old Randall Farm.

 

Col. Monroe took up all that part of the village on the west side of  Main St., extending from Garlick's north line, to the Josiah Dickinson farm, which occupied the remainder of the village on that side.  On the east, Judge Steere's land extended from the Cole, or Elder Randall farm, to the Harris farm on the hill, and to the river on the east.  North of the Harris farm, was the Samuel Hammond property, extending to the Ransford estate. Col. Monroe sold out to Elisha Smith, and Smith to Peter B. Garnsey.  This farm extended on the west to the Canasawacta Creek, and for some distance beyond, where the Garnsey Mills were subsequently erected,--"Prior to the erection of these mills," observes Mr. Clark, "the inhabitants either transported part of their grain to Tioga Point, at great expense and endless toil, or they constructed mortars, by hollowing out at one end, a log, from three to four feet in length, and working them by a sweep above with a pestle attached."  Such were the hardships, labors and privations of the pioneer settlers of the Chenango Valley, within the memory of some now living!  (in 1872)

 

 

 

 

Obituaries (January 11)

Ellen Harrigan Ferry

Utica Saturday Globe, October 1917

 

Ellen Harrigan Ferry

1847 - 1917

Norwich [Chenango Co., NY]:  Surviving her husband by only the few months that have passed since last May, Ellen Harrigan, widow of Daniel Ferry, passed away at her home on Grove avenue early Sunday morning, aged 70.  the shock of her husband's death proved too great for her to long survive in her enfeebled condition and she had failed gradually from that time until her death. She had been in poor health for several years, but always bore her sufferings with patience and fortitude and always had a cheery word for all.  Mrs. Ferry was born in Ireland on November 7, 1847, and came to America and Norwich very early in life.  In October, 1872, she married Daniel Ferry, whose death as mentioned, last May, severed a happy married relationship of nearly 45 years.  Mrs. Ferry's path through life had been marked by acts of charity and kindness all along the way and many are the sick and needy who will revere her memory while life for them shall last.  Mrs. Ferry was a devout member of St. Paul's Catholic Church and also of the Rosary Society and the League of the Sacred Heart.  She was highly esteemed by all who knew her as a faithful wife, a devoted mother and a loyal friend. She leaves to mourn her loss five children, Mrs. Joseph Williams, Mrs. Fred Rowe, Miss Anna Ferry and James and Daniel Ferry, all residents of this city.  Funeral services were held from St. Paul's Church Wednesday morning at 9:30, the remains being laid at rest in St. Paul's Cemetery [Norwich, NY] beside those of her husband.

 

Daniel Ferry

Norwich Sun, May 8, 1917

The death of Daniel Ferry occurred Sunday evening at his home 15 Grove avenue, at the age of 70 years.  Mr. Ferry had been in feeble health for about a year, but able to be about until two days before his death when he passed peacefully into rest.  Mr. Ferry was a resident of Norwich for fifty years and was one of the first contributors toward the erection of old St. Patrick's church and one of its most devoted members, and when St. Paul's was to take the place of St. Patrick's he was again ready to help.  He leaves to mourn his loss, his widow and five children, Mrs. Jos. L. Williams, Mrs. Fred Rowe, Miss Anna Ferry, James and Daniel Ferry.  His funeral will be held from St. Paul's church Wednesday morning at 9:30 o'clock.  He will be laid to rest in St. Paul's cemetery [Norwich, NY]

Mary Hunt Loomis

The Sherburne News, October 15, 1910

The following dispatch was received the first of the week announcing the death of Mrs. Loomis:  Mary Hunt Loomis, Chicago society woman and heroine of the Civil War, died yesterday, leaving a fortune of $1,250,000 to the Loomis Institute, an education institution at Windsor, Conn., founded 18 years ago by Mrs. Loomis' husband and his brothers and a sister.  Mrs. Loomis, who was the widow of John Mason Loomis, was born at Sherburne, N.Y. [Chenango Co.], 81 years ago.  She was married to Col. Loomis in New York 60 years ago and came to Chicago immediately after the wedding.  At the outbreak of the Civil War she accompanied her husband to the front on the Union side and became the head of a company of Red Cross nurses.  Col. Loomis died ten years ago.  He had no children and the death of Mrs. Loomis removes the last member of his family.  His brothers and sister were James C. Loomis, of Bridgeport, Conn.; Hezekiah B. and Robert Loomis, of New York, and Mrs. Abbie Hayden, of Windsor, Conn."  Mrs. Loomis was a daughter of the late Milo Hunt and was born in the house for so many years occupied by the late Mrs. Charles H. Sanford.  Mrs. Loomis was a lady of rare culture and refinement.  She visited Sherburne some four years ago, remaining for several weeks, and renewed acquaintances of her early life.  She was a relative of Mr. Sanford's people.  Her father was the owner of Hunt's mountain, which has borne his name for so many years.

New York Herald, October 8, 1910

Chicago, Ill.:  Through the death today of Mrs. Mary Hunt Loomis, prominent in Chicago more than half a century, the greater part of an estate amounting to more than $1,250,000 is to pass to the Loomis Institute of Windsor, Conn. which was founded by the family of Mrs. Loomis' husband.  The estate is that left by Colonel Johnson Mason Loomis, to whom Mrs. Loomis was married in New York city more than sixty years ago and whom she accompanied to the front when Colonel Loomis was commissioned in the union army in 1861.  He died in Chicago, ten years ago.  Mrs. Loomis had celebrated her eighty-first birthday August 15, last.  She was born in Sherburne, N.Y., and was reared and educated there. She and colonel Loomis came to Chicago shortly after their marriage, and Mrs. Loomis soon became one of the city's social leaders.

Maude Cairns Scott

Norwich Sun, May 8, 1917

Mrs. Maude Cairns Scott died at Binghamton [Broome Co., NY] on Saturday according to intelligence received by J.B. Butts of this city, a cousin.  The funeral is to be held in that city on Tuesday at 12 o'clock and the body will be brought to this city [Norwich, NY] on the D.&H. train 309 that afternoon and taken Wednesday  morning to Ouleout [Franklin, Delaware Co., NY] for interment in the cemetery there by the side of her mother.  Mrs. Scott was 32 years of age and she was a native of Bovina [Delaware Co., NY].  Her father, Scott Cairns, of Norwich, survives her.  Mrs. William Tiffany of Miller street is an aunt and Jeremiah B. and John D. Butts of this city are cousins.

 

Obituaries (January 10)

Oscar I. Gale

Utica Saturday Globe, September 1917

 

Oscar I. Gale

1858 - 1917

Norwich [Chenango Co., NY]:  Oscar I. Gale, who died last Friday at his home on South Broad street after an illness of over 20 months, was the son of Mr. and Mrs. Oscar [sic] [Isaiah] Gale and was born in the town of McDonough 59 years ago.  He was married 38 years ago to Miss Jennie Harrington, of McDonough, and 12 years later they came to Norwich to reside.  Mr. Gale found employment in the Maydole hammer factory and his faithfulness and superior workmanship made him a valued employee and highly esteemed by all.  During the later years he was an inspector of hammers and there as in every position proved his worth.  He was a member of the First Baptist Church.  His wife and one son, Leon Gale, of Syracuse, survive him. The remains were taken to McDonough, where funeral services were held Sunday fro the Baptist church and the interment made in the family plot at McDonough [Chenango Co., NY].

 

Norwich Sun, September 22, 1917

Funeral services for the late Oscar I. Gale will be held at their apartment at 189 South Broad street at 10:15 o'clock Sunday morning and from the McDonough Baptist church at 1 o'clock, interment being made at the McDonough cemetery.  Oscar I. Gale was born in the town of McDonough, February 28, 1858, and lived there through his young manhood.  On August 28, 1879 he was unite din marriage to Jennie Harrington who with their son Leon L. Gale of Syracuse and a half-brother Alfred Gale of McDonough survive him.  About 26 years ago Mr. Gale and his family moved to this city and Mr. Gale entered the employ of the David Maydole Hammer Co., where he was an inspector for many years.  For the past two years he has been confined to his apartments.  Mr. Gale was of a quiet, kindly disposition and many friends sorrow with the bereaved family.

 

Isaiah Cole

Norwich Sun, September 26, 1911

Isaiah Gale,  one of the oldest and most respected citizens of McDonough [Chenango Co., NY], died at his home in that town, Saturday morning, December 23.  Mr. Gale was born April 27, 1828, the son of Stephen and Phoebe Hodge Gale, being the sixth of a family of ten children.  He married, first, Harriet Nightengale, Jan. 1, 1850.  She was born July 11, 1827, and died Aug. 14, 1876.  On Feb. 21, 1878, Mr. Gale married Louisa L. Nightengale.  She died in May, 1910.  Four children were born of the first marriage, and two of the second.  Mr. Gale was always a farmer, and though advanced in years, was active and energetic until within a short time preceding his death.  He was a life long member of the Baptist church, a man of deep religious faith and a zealous Republican in politics. Few men of his community were better known or more highly respected than he, and his loss will be keenly felt.  deceased is survived by one brother, Alpheus Lines Gale of Norwich, three children, Mrs. Merlin Harrington of Haynes, Oscar Gale of Norwich and Alford L. Gale of McDonough, also eight grandchildren.

 

Andrew B. Edwards

Norwich Sun, September 22, 1917

Funeral services for the late Andrew B Edwards were held from his farm residence in the town of Plymouth [Chenango Co., NY] at 2 o'clock Saturday afternoon, Rev. Robert L. Clark, pastor of the Broad Street M.E. church officiated and interment was made in Mt. Hope cemetery [Norwich, Chenango Cop., NY]. A large group of sorrowing relatives and friends attended the services and the floral tributes to the good man's memory were many.  Andrew B. Edwards, the son of Thomas and Clarissa Gardner Edwards was born at Newburgh, March 6, 1857 and entered into rest Wednesday morning, Sept. 19, 1917, aged 60 years.  When a young man he moved to Norwich and soon entered upon the vocation of farming in the town of Plymouth where he has been known for the past 35 years not only as a good farmer but a kind parent, and a friendly neighbor.  For the last three years Mr. Edwards had been in failing health.  There are six surviving children:  Mrs. Frank Conley of Utica, Mrs. J.R. Newton of Norwich, Frank Edwards of Norwich, Miss Ethel Edwards of Utica, George Edwards of Chicago and Leslie Edwards who resided with his father.

Marriages (January 9)

Karlson - Herrick

Utica Saturday Globe, September [year unknown--ca 1920]

Raymond A. & Freda Katherine (Herrick) Karlson

Norwich [Chenango Co., NY]:  In the presence of a few friends at 8:30 on Saturday evening Miss Freda Katherine Herrick, daughter of Mrs. James Donaldson, and Raymond A. Karlson, son of Mr. and Mrs. Axel Karlson, were married at the Broad Street M.E. parsonage by Rev. Frank W. Young. The couple were attended by Miss Mabel Karlson a sister of the groom, and by Claude Fielding. Both young people are well and favorably known, the groom as a clerk in the National Bank of Norwich, and the bride as a stenographer in the offices of the Norwich Pharmacal Company. Their marriage is the cause of many congratulations.  For the present Mr. and Mrs. Karlson will reside at 50 Sheldon street.

 

Double Wedding

Rhodes - Martin & Gray - Martin

Norwich Sun, September 19, 1921

Greene [Chenango Co., NY]:  A pretty double wedding took place in Zion church Saturday afternoon at 4 o'clock, when Miss Dorothy Martin became the wife of Howard Rhodes and Miss Nancy Martin, the wife of Russell R. Gray.  Proceeding the ceremony, Mrs. Joseph R. Page and

 Harold Barton rendered a number of musical selections on the organ and violin. the ushers were Tarbell Flanagan, Lyman Page, Carleton McKay and Charles J. Gray. The ceremony was performed by the Rev. A.A. Bresee. The couples were unattended.  Marjorie Cowles acting as flower girl and little Billy Kelly as ring bearer. The brides were given away by their uncle, Louis A. Whitmore.  After the ceremony a reception was held at the home of the brides' mother, Mrs. Bertha Martin, attended by the relatives and a few friends, after which the newlyweds left for their wedding trips.  Upon their return they will reside in Greene, where Mr. Rhodes is employed by the Empire State Dairy Company, and Mr. Gray is in Gray's insurance office.  All of the young people are well known here, and their friends extend congratulations.

 

Marriage Announcements

Chenango Union, March 18, 1875

 

FERRIS - HICKOX:  In Bainbridge, Mr. 9, 1875, by Rev. A.B. Richardson, Mr. Benjamin Ferris to Miss Katie Hickox, both of Bainbridge [Chenango Co., NY].

 

BLOWERS - MANN:  In Afton, Mar. 9 by Rev. A.R. Richardson, Mr. Alfred Blowers of North Sanford [Broome Co., NY] to Miss Livana Mann of East Afton [Chenango Co., NY].

 

PRATT - MINER:  In Sidney, Mar. 10 by Rev. J.B. Morse, Mr. James Pratt to Miss Ettie Miner, both of Bainbridge [Chenango Co., NY]

 

Chenango Union, March 25, 1875

 

TAYLOR - CROSBY:  In Norwich, Mar. 13, 1875, by Rev. W.J. Judd, Mr. Andrew Taylor of Redfield, Oswego Co., to Miss Ida Crosby of Oxford [Chenango Co., NY].

 

HEADY - GUILE:  At the home of the bride in King Settlement, Mar. 14 by E.N. Buell, Esq., Mr. E.S. Heady of New Berlin [Chenango Co., NY] to Miss Ruth M. Guile of King Settlement [Chenango Co., NY].

 

LEWIS - BRIGHAM:  Mar. 19, 1875, by Rev. A.B. Jones, Mr. Mancel C. Lewis of Preston [Chenango Co., NY] to Miss Ellen Brigham of Oxford [Chenango Co., NY]

 

CURTIS - PHELPS:  In Remsen, Oneida Co., Mar. 22, 1875 by Rev. James Coote, Mr. Elbert Curtis of Preston to Miss Alice E. Phelps of Remsen.

 

HOTCHKISS - CRANDALL:  In Greene, Mar. 2, 1875 by Rev. J.H. Sage, Mr. Charles Hotchkiss of McDonough [Chenango Co., NY] to Miss Mary E. Crandall of German [Chenango Co., NY].

 

ADAMS - GALE:  In Greene, Mar. 9, by Rev. J.H. Sage, Mr. Henry Adams to Miss Almina Gale, both of Smithville [Chenango Co., NY].

 

BOARDMAN - HAYES:  In Barker, Broome Co., Mar. 5, by Rev. A. Lull, Mr. Eli Boardman of Triangle [Broome Co., NY], formerly of Greene, to Mrs. H.N. Hayes of Barker [Broome Co., NY].